DIPAYAl: A team of Chinese technicians has started field study of the 750 MW West Seti Hydropower Project.

A technical team of Chinese CWEIE Corporation, led by senior technician Liwae, also began interacting with locals of the project site and affected areas, besides studying the geological features of the area. “We’ve been studying different technical aspects, including the geographical features of the project area and its vicinity, for a week now,” said Liwae.

The recent development has revived hopes of people in the far-west region. “It’s our dream project but we were sceptical. Since the arrival of the team, we are hopeful about the project,” said Tek Bahadur Singh of Lamikhal. About three years ago, the government had reached agreement with the Chinese Three Gorges company to develop the power plant.

However, the project had to suffer a hitch following the directives of the parliamentary committee. Doubting the project agreement, the committee had sought a fair probe.

The project, to be built under public-private partnership, will have its dam site built at Deura of Bajhang.

From the estimated project cost of 180 billion rupees, 10 per cent of the investment will be awarded as stocks to the residents of affected areas, including Doti, Dadeldhura and Baitadi, besides Bajhang.

The company has agreed to use 150 MW of the total power produced for industrial development of the region.