अर्थ प्रणाली 
Kathmandu. The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) organized a significant program on “Integrated Geohazard Assessments in Managing Risks for Hydropower Projects in Glacierised High Mountain Environments: Implications for Insurance” on Friday at the Chamber Hall, Jamal. The event featured Prof. John M. Reynolds, Managing Director of Reynolds Geo-Solutions Ltd, UK, as the keynote speaker, who provided critical insights on managing geohazard risks in hydropower development.
In the program Prof. Reynolds highlighted the increasing threat posed by climate change, warning that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to rise, leading to more frequent natural disasters with severe downstream consequences. He emphasized the urgent need for Integrated Geohazard Assessments (IGAs) for all hydropower projects in high mountain regions. He recommended that Nepal adopt national policies mandating IGAs, similar to those in Bhutan, to enhance the resilience of such projects.
Prof. Reynolds also noted the importance of IGAs in informing insurance policies, suggesting that well-conducted assessments can help insurers better understand the risks and tailor policies accordingly. He further explained that by identifying natural hazards within a project’s catchment area, the resilience of hydropower projects could be significantly improved, potentially leading to reduced insurance premiums.
The event began with a warm welcome by Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce. It was attended by a diverse audience, including professionals from the insurance and hydropower sectors, investors, and members of the chamber. A dynamic Q&A session followed the keynote address, where participants raised various concerns related to geohazard risks and insurance. Prof. Reynolds responded to the queries, offering practical solutions and strategies to mitigate risks in hydropower projects.
The program underscored the critical role of proactive geohazard assessments in ensuring the sustainability, safety, and financial viability of hydropower projects in Nepal’s high-altitude regions, particularly in the face of a changing climate.
