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Designing Landslide and Debris Flow Mitigation Models: Engineering Insights from the NGS Geotechnical Competition

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In a mountainous country like Nepal, landslides and debris flows are not just textbook geology concepts—they are annual hazards that disrupt lives, block critical highway corridors, and challenge civil infrastructure. During my time at Khwopa Engineering College, our team set out to dissect these challenges practically. We participated in the Geotechnical Model Competition organized by the Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS), an event aimed at developing innovative, physical engineering models to demonstrate landslide mechanisms and structural mitigation solutions. Developing a working model required balancing a heavy academic schedule with intensive laboratory and fabrication work. I still vividly recall the dedication required during the Dashain-Tihar vacation. I traveled from my home district of Panchthar back to Bhaktapur, spending ten intensive days refining the model before returning home briefly for Tihar, and immediately heading back to Bhaktapur to finalize our setups. This han...
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The Story Behind the Project: From Classroom to Field ( Lamjung)

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Photo:  Project Supervisor Er. Imjal Sukupayo at top and Hem,Ganesh,Nirjala,Raj, Biswas from left to right  Our Journey of Final Year Project: Kisedi Khola Small Hydropower Project Completing a Final Year Project is one of the most memorable and defining moments for every engineering student. For us, the journey of Kisedi Khola Small Hydropower Project (4.35 MW), Lamjung was not only about technical learning but also about teamwork, sleepless nights, field experiences, and life-long lessons. I want to share the story of how we started, struggled, learned, and finally completed this beautiful chapter of our engineering life. Why Hydropower Project? When it came to choosing a project, we could have gone with structures, buildings, water supply, or bridges. But hydropower stood out because it combines everything — hydrological analysis, structural aspects, estimation, and multiple software applications. Another reason was my personal interest. While traveling home or during class...
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Exploring Panitar, Ilam – A 3-Day Field Experience as a Civil Engineer

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Presenting about Panitar in Hotel G Ramayana, Kathmandu  In 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the Tourism Project Showcase (TOPS) organized by Alison Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Along with my teammates, we selected Panitar, Ilam as our project site for a unique and sustainable tourism development idea. As a Civil Engineering student, this was a great chance to apply what I had learned in class—subjects like Surveying, Planning & Management, and Rural Infrastructure Development—to a real-world context.   3-Day Field Visit to Panitar We conducted a 3-day field visit to Panitar and surrounding areas of Deumai Municipality. Using the SW Maps mobile app, we mapped the site and did a basic topographical survey to understand land slope, terrain, access roads, and existing land use patterns. During our fieldwork, we met: Mr. Phurba Tamang , former Ward Chairperson, who gave us detailed information about government land, community-shared land (Puwwamai), and privately owned l...
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Prashant Lamsal: Through My Eyes – By Ganesh Chapagain

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 From the very first time I met Prashant Lamsal at Kantipur City College, I felt he was someone truly different—humble, dedicated, and focused. Over the years, our journey of friendship and collaboration has grown stronger, filled with both professional partnerships and unforgettable personal memories. 1. Academic Background and YouTube  Journey Prashant completed his Diploma in Civil Engineering from Balaju School of Engineering and Technology. I later learned that his hometown is in Sunwal. Though his real name is Prashant Lamsal, many students know him as Prashant YT —a name that comes from his widely followed YouTube channel. He has uploaded over 2,600 videos to help Diploma and Bachelor-level engineering students all over Nepal. During our Bachelor studies, I, Ganesh Chapagain, had the opportunity to join him as a content creation partner. Together, we created around 400–500 videos, especially focused on Mathematics I and III, providing online tuition support to engineeri...
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What You Need to Know About Sudden Pre-Monsoon Storms

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As Nepal enters the pre-monsoon season, many regions, including Bhaktapur, have started experiencing sudden weather events—strong winds, heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning. On Jestha 2, near the Bhaktapur District Court, a short but intense storm with wind speeds around 30 km/h, poor visibility, and frequent lightning occurred, capturing public attention. Events like these are becoming more common and intense due to rising temperatures and increasing urbanization. To stay updated, it is highly recommended to follow the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Nepal Facebook page or install reliable apps like Windy on your mobile. These platforms provide real-time forecasts, storm alerts, and weather animations that help you plan and stay safe. During such weather, avoid long routes, stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and secure anything that could blow away in strong winds. Unplug electrical appliances during lightning, and always keep emergency tools like flashlights, power ...
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Kisedi Khola ( Sera Bazar): Possible Powerhouse location to Headworks area Pachok lamjung.

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The day started with a warm cup of Lamjung’s special tea. By early morning, we had already begun our field activities. Our base was Sera Bazar, and our first objective was to update the local market on the map. We tried to register as many shops and businesses as possible, hoping to make it easier for people who visit in the future. Although we managed to include about 50% of the shops this time, we aim to complete it on our next visit. After that, we followed our plan from the day before and headed toward the hydropower alignment site. Using SW Maps on two phones, we recorded various points like the possible powerhouse area, alignment lines, and important coordinates with photos and videos.  On another phone, we used the UTM Geo Map app to take geotagged pictures even while offline. It helped us track points like the surge tank, headrace pipe alignment, weir, intake, and the potential settling basin area. During our mapping work, Ward Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung also shared that f...
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Hydropower Site Survey in Lamjung: Kisedi Khola Flow Measurement Experience

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 In the month of April, our team of five civil engineering students set off on a  field visit from Kathmandu to Shera Bazar, Lamjung. The main objective was to identify the best possible alignment for the Kisedi Khola Small Hydropower Project, including a preliminary discharge measurement and a reconnaissance survey for intake and powerhouse locations. Our journey began early in the morning. After purchasing bus tickets worth Rs. 745 from the Lotshe Mall ticket counter in Kathmandu, we boarded a microbus from Kalanki around 7:30 am. Due to ongoing road extension works near Muglin, we encountered traffic congestion, dust, and uneven road surfaces, which made the travel slightly hectic. By around 2:30 pm, we reached Udipur—just a little ahead of Besisahar—and got off there. From Udipur, we hired a Bolero jeep (Rs. 150 per person) and headed towards Shera Bazar. The ride took approximately 30 minutes through scenic and slightly rugged rural terrain. Upon arrival, we met with the ...
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