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More than NPR 30 million in compensation has been distributed to landowners where towers have been constructed under the 132 kV Dandakhet–Rahughat transmission line project being developed by the Nepal Electricity Authority.

According to rates determined by a subcommittee formed under the leadership of the District Administration Office, a total of NPR 32,964,567 has been distributed so far. As per Administrative Officer Matrika Timilsina, NPR 22,929,728 has been paid to landowners, while an additional NPR 1,034,839 has been distributed to poor households, female-headed families, Dalit/indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities in accordance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) guidelines.

Of the 82 towers along the 25-kilometer transmission line, 40 fall within forest areas and 42 on private land. So far, 66 individuals have received compensation, while seven are still in the process. Based on rates fixed in 2022, compensation for land occupied by towers ranges from NPR 900,000 to NPR 1.35 million per ropani.

Compensation for land under transmission lines

The project is also preparing to provide compensation to landowners whose property falls within the right-of-way beneath the transmission line. Landowners within nine meters on either side from the centerline will be eligible for compensation.

Preliminary data shows that 454 land parcels fall under the transmission line corridor, and 22 houses have been identified in the first phase. Data collection for additional structures is ongoing.

Corporate social responsibility programs

Under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the project has implemented various programs in affected areas. These include driver training for 15 individuals, house wiring training for another 15, and non-timber forest product training for representatives from 19 community forests. Additionally, essential materials have been distributed to community schools, temples, and mothers’ groups.

78% physical progress

The project has achieved 78% physical progress so far. A contract worth NPR 3.57 billion was signed with Larsen & Toubro Limited on December 31, 2021, for the construction of the transmission line and substations. After multiple deadline extensions, the new completion deadline has been set for May 16, 2026.

Out of 82 towers, 71 have already been erected, and stringing work has been completed over 10.5 kilometers. Progress stands at 95% for the Dandakhet substation, 70% for the transmission line, and 65% for the Rahughat substation.

Delays and targets

Project Chief Roshan Agrawal stated that delays were caused by late approval for tree cutting in forest areas, difficult terrain, disaster risks, and local disputes. Work has now been accelerated with a target to complete the project within the next five months.

Strategic importance for energy supply

The transmission line is considered crucial for integrating electricity generated from hydropower projects in the Myagdi and Rahughat basin into the national grid. The total estimated cost of the project is NPR 4.88 billion, with NPR 1.05 billion financed by the Nepal Electricity Authority and NPR 3.82 billion through a loan from the Asian Development Bank.

The project is expected to make a long-term contribution by efficiently connecting electricity generated from various hydropower projects in the Myagdi River basin to the national transmission system.

Jalasarokar