The Story Behind the Project: From Classroom to Field ( Lamjung)
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 classes, hydropower always caught my attention. I wanted to learn deeply, not just in one area, but in all aspects of civil engineering. That’s why hydropower was the perfect choice.
Topic Selection and Team Formation
Our supervisor, Respected Er. Imjal Sukupayo, provided us with available survey data including contour lines, settlement, river, and forest details. Based on that, we finalized Kisedi Khola Small Hydropower Project.
Team formation was simple yet powerful. I (Ganesh Chapagain) had a strong interest in hydropower, so I discussed it with my friends. Soon, our team was formed with dedicated members: Biswas Paudel (Bishnu Hari), Raj Shrestha, Nirjala Prajapati, and Hem Bhatta.
Photo: Location map of Project
First Steps
At the beginning, we were inexperienced. We started by exploring the project site location in Google Earth, checking coordinates, and reviewing project details from DoED’s official website. From there, we found the license boundary and began our work.
In the 7th semester, we started while classes and board exams were still running. Later, during the 8th semester internship, we had to manage between office work during the day and project work at night. Many times, we stayed connected through video calls, working late into the night. Looking back, maybe we ignored health, but the outcome makes it all worth it.
Photo: 12+ hour continue working for Project
Challenges and Learning
The toughest part was software. At first, we had no idea how to use Civil 3D or ArcGIS. But instead of being afraid, we gave our full time and energy to learning. Slowly, we became comfortable with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Excel, MS Project, and even professional practices like Google Earth integration.
This project taught us that software is important, but even more important is teamwork. Without a good team, no project is possible.
Photo: Inside library for Project work
Role of Our Supervisor
Our respected supervisor, Er. Imjal Sukupayo, was the pillar of our success. He didn’t just solve problems for us; instead, he taught us how to find the process and solution ourselves. His way of guiding helped us become more creative.
He shared experiences beyond academics — about professional life, mindset, and the real world of engineering. From report formatting to presentation design, he guided us in every detail. Many groups lacked this level of supervision, but we were blessed. Honestly, we can never repay him.
Team Spirit
Our team spirit was unmatched. Nobody pressured anyone, we worked together with full energy. We didn’t do this project just to finish early; we did it to learn. Everyone was eager to try new things, compare results, and push boundaries. That made us feel lucky.
Photo: Team members (Biswas,Ganesh, Nirjala,Raj,Hem from left to right)
Memorable Moments
There are countless memories:
• A 3-day field visit where we measured water flow using a current meter.
• Walking 6 km through dense forest to finalize alignment from headworks to powerhouse.
• The night when Civil 3D crashed at 1 AM and we lost a file, forcing us to redo a full day’s work.
• Working on PowerPoint again and again for mid-term, internal, and final defenses — upgrading each time.
• Creating a 3D animation of the project before final defense. Seeing six months of hard work in 3D was one of the proudest and most satisfying moments.
Final Stages
After design, we carefully prepared the report, revising word by word, comma by comma, alignment of figures, captions, and tables. Then came presentations, where we confidently defended our project. By the final defense, we were not just students — we felt like professionals.
Key Learnings
• This project taught us:
• How to use hydropower-related software effectively.
• The true value of teamwork.
• The importance of guidance and mentorship.
• That real engineering is beyond classroom — it’s about patience, creativity, and problem-solving.
Photo: During Flow Measurement at Kisedi Khola ( Lamjung)
We also learned how some people hesitate to share knowledge, but we realized true professionals are those who guide others without ego. This motivated us to always stay humble.
Future Hopes
This project inspired me to continue in the water resources sector. Today, I am already working in this field, and I know the lessons from Kisedi Khola will guide me throughout my career.
Conclusion
Our Final Year Project was more than just a requirement for graduation. It was an unforgettable journey of friendship, struggle, guidance, and growth. The bond we created will last a lifetime. I miss my teammates already, and I am forever grateful to our supervisor and everyone who supported us along the way.
About The Ganesh Post
The Ganesh Post is a blog created and managed by Ganesh Chapagain. It shares ideas, knowledge, and experiences on engineering, education, and everyday life with the aim of providing simple and practical insights for readers.
Ganesh Post is my small space where I share my ideas, notes, and experiences as a civil engineering student. It’s simple, personal, and made with love for learning and sharing.- Ganesh Chapagain
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