KATHMANDU: The delayed Khimti- Dhalkebar transmission line project will now be delayed by another two-three months.
Project manager Kanhaiya Manandhar said that the land acquisition process is on and the installation of the transmission lines along a 3 km strech will be delayed by 2 to 3 three months again.
Ministry of Physical Planning and Works has been looking after the land acquisition process. The World Bank funded project was to complete by December 2012 but the protest from the locals of Sindhulimadhi against laying the transmission line halted the work.
Nepal Electricity Authority has been incurring a loss of millions of rupees every month for rerouting the power supply to eastern Terai.
After repeated protests against the construction of the transmission line‚ the government decided to provide compensation for the land occupied by the line in the 3 km stretch for six towers. The transmission line is essential for power generation from rivers in Dolakha particularly for the the Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power project which is underway.
Manandhar also said the government has convinced the locals to let the construction of line continue and that it is also making a road in section allowing a new city area in either side of the road.
A team led by secretary of Office of the Prime Minister Krishna Hari Baskota comprising other government secretaries had visited Sindhulimadi a month ago to sort out the problem‚ but locals did not agrre to come forward for talks until the local administration came and promised additional development work for the benefit of the locals.
Source : The Himalayan Times
