KATHMANDU: All things being equal, authorities will soon expand the dry port in Birgunj Metropolis-25, Sirsiya by 62 Bighas as the process pertaining to land acquisition has gained momentum, officials say.

A sub-committee led by Parsa Deputy Chief District Officer Durga Dutta Poudel has recently forwarded a preliminary report on land compensation paving the way for acquisition, Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said.

The sub-committee membered by custom officials and land revenue and survey authorities has recommended a compensation rate for 119 stretches of land on eastern side of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Road based on market and independent valuation of 64 private houses, one public school, one health post, a pond and other patches belonging to Guthis and farmers.

According to authorities, affected people will be notified within six months to receive compensation after officials study the report and hold discussions with civil society leaders and local representatives.