Kathmandu: The construction work of the Gajrang-New Khimti 132 KV double circuit transmission line project built for the flow of electricity generated from the Khimti and Likhu river hydropower projects has been obstructed.

The landowners of the land acquired for the transmission line have obstructed the construction work in the areas of Those, Dharapani, Betali, Nammadi of Dolakha in Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap and Tamakoshi Rural Municipality of Dolkha demanding 100 percent compensation.

Similarly, due to the lack of infrastructure, the 12 MW Upper Khimti constructed by Himalayan Energy Development Company and 7 MW Upper Khimti of the second hydropower project could not be connected to the power transmission line.

Despite continuous efforts of the project management, the construction of the transmission line could not be completed as the obstruction could not be removed. The top management of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has taken initiatives to remove the obstruction in the construction as electricity has been going to waste due to the lack of a transmission line.

A team comprising NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, Broadcasting Directorate Deputy Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha inspected the project construction site and held discussions with the Chief District Officer, Village Chairperson and Ward Chairpersons to remove the obstruction.

Ghising said, “Due to the lack of transmission line, 19 MW of electricity could not be connected, which is causing loss not only to the investors of the project but also to the country. We are ready to be as flexible as possible on the issue of compensation and indemnity according to the legal provisions.”