Expertise: geotechnical engineering, geology, civil engineering
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The assignment will support the preparation of the Himachal Pradesh Green Hydro Generation and
Integration Project (Thana Plaun Hydroelectric Project) through comprehensive technical due diligence
and implementation-readiness assessments.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the Government of Himachal Pradesh in the development of
the Project. The assignment will assist Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) in meeting
the technical, procurement, environmental and social safeguard, institutional, and implementation-
readiness requirements for ADB financing.
The assignment will provide independent review, validation, and advisory support on key project aspects,
including engineering design, dam safety, geological and geotechnical conditions, hydrology and sediment
management, environmental and social safeguard requirements, procurement and contract management
readiness, and overall implementation arrangements. The assessment will identify key risks, recommend
mitigation measures, and support project readiness in accordance with ADB requirements, applicable
national regulations, and international good practice.
The proposed 191 MW Thana Plaun Hydroelectric Project, located on the Beas River in Mandi District,
Himachal Pradesh, comprises a 106.78-meter-high RCC gravity dam with a live storage capacity of 44.93
million cubic meters (MCM) and is expected to generate approximately 661 GWh of electricity annually.
The assignment will support the review of technical, environmental, social, procurement, and
institutional aspects to facilitate successful project preparation and implementation.
Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake independent due diligence and advisory services to support project
preparation. The services will include the review of project documents, technical studies, engineering
designs, and implementation arrangements; assessment of compliance with ADB requirements and applicable
national regulations; identification and evaluation of project risks; and preparation of recommendations
to strengthen project readiness and implementation capacity. The consultant will coordinate closely with
ADB and HPPCL; participate in meetings, consultations, workshops, and site visits as required; and
prepare technical assessments, due diligence reports, and related outputs to support ADB appraisal,
project preparation, and implementation readiness.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
(i) support review of geotechnical investigations, geological mapping, soil and rock test results,
borehole logs, foundation data, slope conditions, and underground works;
(ii) assess site-specific geological and geotechnical conditions affecting dam foundations, tunnels,
powerhouses, access roads, slopes, and other project components;
(iii) analyze groundwater conditions, seepage risks, drainage requirements, slope stability risks,
landslide risks, seismic risks, and foundation suitability;
(iv) verify compliance with national codes, local investigation practices, and geotechnical design
requirements;
(v) assist in identifying geotechnical risks and recommending mitigation measures;
(vi) support field verification, mapping, data compilation, and coordination with HPPCL and other
agencies;
(vii) provide local inputs to design revision, foundation treatment, slope stabilization, and
underground works planning; and
(viii) contribute to geotechnical reports, risk registers, technical review outputs, and design review
documentation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The expert shall have a bachelor’s degree or higher in geotechnical engineering, civil engineering,
geology, engineering geology, or a related field, and at least 8 years of experience in geotechnical
investigations, foundation design, slope stability, underground works, or hydropower infrastructure in
India. Familiarity with national geotechnical standards and local Himalayan geological conditions will
be an advantage.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years
