KATHMANDU, June 17 :
The decision of political leaders in Sindhuli to not obstruct construction of high-tension towers has paved the way for completion of Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line at the earliest.
Some locals in Sindhuli district headquarters had been obstructing the construction of towers, demanding full price for land falling on Right of Way (RoW). They had also lodged a complaint at the World Bank – the development partner of the 220 KV transmission line project.
The transmission line is a key infrastructure to evacuate power from Sunkoshi river basin. It will also help to remove rerouting problem of the energy from west to eastern part of the country thus helping reduce technical loss in energy transmission.
Local leaders of all political parties — Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-Maoist – have jointly signed a document that states they would not support in timely conclusion of the project. They have also appealed to all concerned to not obstruct construction works. District chairpersons of all the parties have signed the document.
The project was halted for around 18 months due to protest by the locals.
Speaking at a press meet on Monday, Minister for Energy Radha Gyawali said problems in the transmission line project have finally been sorted out. “Remaining works will be completed soon,” she added.
As the works to erect some towers will not take more than a week, the transmission line is expected to come into operation soon.
Sagar Gyawali, personal assistance of the energy minister, said the minister has demanded Rs 15 million from the finance ministry to pay compensation to some landowners on the RoW.
Source : Republica
