In a significant milestone for Himachal Pradesh’s energy resilience and disaster recovery efforts, the 126 megawatt MW Larji Hydroelectric Power Project in Kullu district has been fully restored and is now generating electricity once again. The revival marked a triumphant comeback after the catastrophic Beas River floods of July 9-10, 2023, which had crippled the project and rendered it non-operational for months.
The deluge, which saw water discharge levels soar to an unprecedented 5600 cumecs (cubic metres per second) — far surpassing the historical high of 3838.37 cumecs recorded in 1953 — inflicted severe damage on the power station. Turbine units were submerged in muck and debris, vital infrastructure was compromised, and operations came to a grinding halt. Yet, less than two years later, the Larji powerhouse is humming again, thanks to coordinated government intervention and the unyielding resolve of engineers and staff.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government responded promptly, releasing Rs 25 crore initially for restoration. This was followed by further allocations of Rs 35 crore and an additional Rs 185.87 crore to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation. The Chief Minister lauded the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) for their relentless efforts, calling the restoration a testament to their dedication and technical prowess.
The phased revival of the project was a feat of engineering and human determination. Unit-I was brought back online on January 15, 2024, and synchronized with the grid on May 2, 2024. Unit-II resumed on August 9, 2024, while Unit-III became operational on January 17, 2025, completing the full restoration.
One of the biggest challenges was the removal of deep-seated silt from turbine chambers, which could not be done mechanically. Workers undertook the herculean task manually, inch by inch, until the turbines were cleared. To safeguard against future calamities, several structural improvements have been implemented. These include slope stabilization through cable nets and rockfall barriers, especially near the surge shaft and powerhouse entrance.
Moreover, new hinged flood protection gates have been installed at the Main Access Tunnel (MAT), with similar systems being constructed at the Emergency Exit Tunnel (EET), ensuring watertight safety against potential water ingress.
