BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Apr. 14: The construction work of Gajyang-New Khimti 132 KV double circuit transmission line project under construction for the supply 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 in Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap and Tamakoshi Rural Municipality of Dolakha demanding 100 per cent compensation.

In some places, landowners who do not have access to land have not allowed the transmission line to be pulled while demanding compensation.
As per the legal provisions, compensation of 20 per cent of the assessed amount has been fixed for the land under the right of transmission line.

The length of the transmission line is 32 kilometers, starting from Gajyang of Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap to end at Naya Khimti substation at Sankhe (Fulasi) in Manthali Municipality-13 of Ramechhap via Tamakoshi Rural Municipality of Dolakha.

The foundations of all 105 towers of the transmission line have been laid. A total of 101 towers have been erected and 20 kilometers of wire has been installed.
Construction of a 132/33/11 kV substation in Gajyang has reached the final stage. Most of the equipment of transmission line and substation has been brought to the construction site, said Nepal Electricity Authority.

Due to lack of infrastructure, the 12 MW Upper Khimti and 7 MW Upper Khimti of the second hydropower project constructed by Himalayan Energy Development Company could not be connected to the power transmission line
Despite the 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 NEA has taken initiatives to tackle the obstruction in construction as electricity has been going to waste due to the lack of a transmission line.
A team comprising NEA Managing Director Kul Man Ghising inspected the project construction site and held discussions with the Chief District Officer, Chairmen of Rural Municipalities and Ward Chairpersons to remove the obstruction.

MD Ghising said that it was painful not to be able to connect electricity due to lack of transmission lines. "Due to the lack of the transmission line, 19 MW of electricity could not be connected. This is causing loss not only to the investors but also to the country.
We are ready to be as flexible as possible in terms of compensation," he said.

Connecting electricity through alternative arrangements
The construction of the Gajyang-New Khimti 132 double circuit transmission line will be delayed due to the obstruction of locals. It will be connected to Jiri substation through the 33 kV transmission line from Gajyang substation.
Electricity will be supplied from Jiri substation to Makaibari substation at Charikot through Singati substation to the national grid.

NEA has already charged the 132/33 kV, 30 MVA separate power transformer pair at Singati substation for this.
The target is to charge the 132/33 KV, 30 MVA power transformer at Gajyang substation within 10 days.