Transmission line construction resumes

SINDHULIMADI, August 9

Construction of the 220 KV transmission line of the Khimti-Dhalkebar track, which was halted for the past two years due to compensation distribution dispute, resumed from on Sunday in Sindhuli.

Some residents of Kamalamai municipality and Bhimeshwor VDC had been obstructing the construction of the transmission line for the past two years demanding compensation.

As many as 11 high-tension poles are yet to be constructed in the site.

According to Pralhad Pokhrel, coordinator of Dispute Settlement Committee, the locals were compelled to end the disruption with mounting pressure from stakeholders in the district. The electricity generated from the under-construction upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project was supposed to be supplied to Dhalkebar of Dhanusha through Ramechhap and Sindhuli.

The project was launched with the grant assistance from Asian Development Bank. Its construction work had begun in 2004 and was estimated to be completed within 2009. Of the 164 affected households, 18 have been relocated to other places whereas the remaining will be provided compensation, informed the project.

“Though we could not complete the project on the contracted time, there are no chances of budget increment,” clarified project Chief Shyam Kumar Yadav.