Nepal is set in the arc of Himalaya extending from between 26o22’ – 30o27’N in

latitude and 80o4’ – 88o12’E in longitude covering a total area of approximately

147,181 sq. km with a roughly rectangular in shape. Average length of the
country is 885 km in east west and 192 km in north south direction. Range of
altitude varies widely from about 60 m to 8848 m in Mount Everest. The country is
bordered by People’s Republic of China in north and India in other three
directions. The Republic of Nepal covers nearly 0.1% of the earth’s land surface.

Electricity is one of the important infrastructures for economic development of a

country. Hydropower is a renewable, economic, non-polluting &
environmentally sound source of energy. Hydropower stations have inherent
ability for instantaneous starting, stopping, load variations etc. and help in
improving reliability of power system. Hydroelectric projects have long useful life
extending over 50 years and help in conserving scarce fossil fuels. They also help
in opening up of avenues for development of remote and backward areas