In Phaktanglung Rural Municipality, the excavation of the 283 MW Upper Tamor Hydropower Project, which is part of the 285 MW Upper Tamor Hydropower Project, Nepal’s largest hydropower project under construction with private sector investment, will be carried out using a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine). This decision was made during an all-party and all-stakeholder meeting coordinated by Phaktanglung Rural Municipality. The discussion included representatives from political parties, local government representatives, and former people’s representatives.

According to Rural Municipality Chairman Rajan Limbu, the first point of the decision states that the project will measure water sources in the months of March/ April and May/June and submit a report to the ward office and rural municipality. If the water quantity is found to be insufficient for drinking water and irrigation (except in cases of drought), the project itself will be responsible for managing drinking water and irrigation. This decision specifically concerns drinking water and irrigation management.

The second point concerns compensation related to the project. Since the tunnel excavation will be carried out using a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine), blasting will be minimal. Additionally, all houses and land in the areas where blasting is necessary have already been acquired, reducing the likelihood of damage to settlements. However, if any houses develop cracks or sustain damage due to the impact of blasting, the project has decided to provide compensation.

The third point pertains to employment. It states that to uplift the living standards of the local people, employment will be provided based on the project’s requirements, considering qualifications, capabilities, skills, and expertise. This will be done in accordance with the project’s policies, rules, and standards, as well as recommendations from the local government and ward offices.

The fourth point pertains to the consumption of local agricultural produce. It states that if farmers can consistently supply agricultural products to the project in the long term, the project will prioritize and consume locally produced goods as its first preference.

The fifth point states that the project will move forward while ensuring the protection of religious and cultural heritage sites in the project area.

The sixth point mentions that a stakeholder committee will be formed on March 15 in Simwa, Linkhim, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-3.

The seventh and final point states that if the project implements the decisions made by the committee formed on Chaitra 2, all stakeholders will cooperate and coordinate to support the project’s progress.

Locals have been obstructing the work of this project. Locals have been raising concerns about irrigation, drinking water, houses being damaged during the construction of the project, and that this area is a haven for the Limbu community.

Source: Kantipur