Electricity line extension proceeds with security arrangement

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT,Surkhet, May 4: The expansion work of the Kohalpur-Surkhet 132 kV transmission line has resumed under tight security after facing obstruction from locals. Due to unresolved disputes regarding the project, the authorities have deployed security personnel to ensure work progresses. For a long time, locals had been obstructing the project, preventing it from moving forward.

According to Jagadishwor Upadhyay, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Surkhet, currently, work is ongoing within the boundaries of the national park under security protection. He said that security was necessary after locals disrupted the project work inside the park. The District Administration Office in Banke is coordinating the efforts to proceed with the transmission line construction.

Dharma Raj Joshi, the CDO of Banke, stated that the project is being implemented in accordance with the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR). He said that while construction inside the national park is continuing under security, discussions will be held with locals before work begins in residential areas.

A few days ago, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak instructed the Banke District Administration Office to push forward with the 132 kV transmission line expansion. Following this directive, work has resumed in the protected national park areas, even though local resistance persists, Joshi said.

Four transmission towers are being constructed within the national park, three in open areas and one within the Nepal Army’s barracks. An additional four towers are to be built in nearby settlements. Locals have repeatedly obstructed construction within the park. Joshi stated that further construction in residential areas will only proceed after holding dialogues with the affected communities. Discussions with residents are currently ongoing at various levels.

In Baijanath Municipality of Banke, residents of Bajethan have been protesting, as they fear the expansion will affect their homes and farmland. According to the DPR, the transmission line must pass through Ward No. 1 (Gabhar) and Ward No. 4 (Baniyabhar) of Baijanath. However, locals have expressed strong opposition, citing the impact on settlements and cultivable land.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, provincial and federal lawmakers have visited the affected areas and engaged in discussions with locals. However, residents remain firm in their stance that the transmission line should not pass through residential zones.

Project Chief Ravi Chaudhary confirmed that work has resumed in the national park area after being stalled for five years. However, he added that local obstruction in the settlements continues.

To help mediate the issue, leaders from both provincial governments and members of parliament have visited the area. Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel has repeatedly met with stakeholders to discuss the matter. Just a few days ago, he directed the Banke CDO to move forward with the project. According to the project team, work in non-disputed areas is nearly complete. If the dispute is resolved, the remaining work could be completed by mid-July.

90 per cent physical progress achieved

The transmission line expansion began in June 2020. So far, 90 per cent of the physical work has been completed, with 10 per cent remaining. Issues related to land acquisition and forest clearance have caused significant delays, preventing the project from meeting its original timeline. The project contract, worth Rs. 700 million, was awarded to the Indian company R.S. Infraprojects Pvt. Ltd.