Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has directed authorities to resolve the dispute that has arisen in the Baniyabhar area of Banke under the Kohalpur–Surkhet 132 kV transmission line project.

On Tuesday, Minister Khadka summoned Project Chief Ravi Kumar Chaudhary to the ministry and directed him to immediately resolve the issues that have emerged in the area during the expansion of the project.

Due to obstruction by local residents in Baniyabhar, Ward No. 4 of Baijanath Rural Municipality in Banke, the construction of three electricity towers could not proceed, prompting Minister Khadka to express concern over the delays occurring in the implementation of the project.

“Address the demands raised by the local residents appropriately and move the project forward immediately. While advancing development work, make sure that ordinary people are not troubled,” said Minister Khadka.

He also directed that proper compensation be provided for the houses affected by the project and that the resettlement of the displaced individuals be ensured. During the meeting, Project Chief Chaudhary informed the minister that the project could not progress due to obstruction from local residents. He stated that three electricity towers still remain to be constructed in the area.

Although an agreement was signed on August 23, 2020 to complete the construction, design, testing, distribution, and procurement of the plant within two years, the work has been delayed due to local obstruction.

Source: Rato Pati