Locals’ obstruction delays Trishuli-Matatirtha transmission line project

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    trl-electricityNUWAKOT, Jan 3: Works to lay down Trishuli-Matatirtha 220-KV transmission line have been halted due to obstruction by locals.

    Locals have been obstructed works for nearly a year, putting forth demands like full compensation for land acquired for the project and employment opportunity for them, among others.

    The transmission line is being built to evacuate power generated by a dozen of hydropower projects including Upper Trishuli 3A. If the transmission line is not built in time, energy generated by these projects will be wasted.

    Locals are not allowing workers to erect pylons in their land. “We will not allow erection of pylons in our land unless we are paid full compensation. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) should provide us compensation also for land over which transmission wires pass as banks do not accept such land as collateral,” Dataram Bhatta of Manakamana-9, said. “Neither can we build houses on such land.”

    After locals protested construction works at Archale in Manakamana VDC — the proposed site for construction of transmission hub.

    The government has decided to provide compensation at the rate of Rs 850,000 per ropani for land acquired for the project. However, compensation will be provided for land which will be acquired to build pylons. Locals, however, have been demanding compensation for land over which transmission line passes through.

    Though District Administration Office (DAO) has organized various meeting to resolve the issue, locals have refused to budge on their stance.

    Uttam Amatya, project chief of Upper Trishuli 3A, said they can provide only 10 percent of the land value as compensation for land over which transmission line passes through.

    Though China Electric and Water Corporation (CDWE) was scheduled to complete construction within thirty months of starting of works (27 March, 2012), it has been deferring the deadline citing various reasons including obstruction by the locals. It must complete transmission line works by April 30, 2016.

    Source : Republica