Locals in Bahrabise, Sindhupalchok, have launched protests against the proposed 46MW Bhote Koshi-5 Hydropower Project, citing environmental concerns.

The protesters claim that the project, planned by Kalika Hydropower Company, aims to divert water through a tunnel from the tailrace of the existing 102MW Middle Bhote Koshi Project, which they say could disrupt the ecological balance and erase the identity of Bahrabise town.

On Sunday, locals from Bahrabise Municipality and surrounding areas, including Maneshwara and Ramche, staged demonstrations carrying black flags and chanting slogans such as “Go back Kalika Hydro.”

The protesters also disrupted a public hearing at the municipal covered hall, damaging chairs and halting the event proceedings.

The planned project’s powerhouse will lie in Jure, on the border of Bahrabise Municipality and Balefi Rural Municipality. Locals argue that using water through underground tunnels will have irreversible impacts on the area.

“The project will erase the identity of Bahrabise if the river water is diverted underground. We don’t need any more hydropower projects here,” said a local resident Raju Shrestha.

The protests erupted amid preparations for the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public hearing.