Minister Khadka directs to resolve transmission line dispute

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 7: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka has directed to resolve the dispute seen in the Baniyabhar area of Banke under the Kohalpur-Surkhet 132 kV transmission line.

Minister Khadka summoned Project Chief Rabi Kumar Chaudhary to the ministry Tuesday and directed him to immediately resolve the problems seen in the area during project expansion.

Minister Khadka expressed concern about the delays in project construction after three electricity towers could not be constructed in the Baniyabhar area of Baijnath Rural Municipality-4 of Banke due to obstacles from locals.

“Address the demands of the local people and proceed with the project immediately, so that ordinary people do not die while the development work advances,” said Minister Khadka. 

He also directed to ensure the rehabilitation of the victims while providing appropriate compensation to the houses affected by the project.

During the meeting, Project Chief Chaudhary informed the Minister that the project could not be taken forward due to the obstruction of the local residents. 

He said that three electricity towers are yet to be constructed in the area.

Although an agreement was reached on August 23, 2020 to complete the construction, design, testing, distribution, and purchase of the transmission line within two years, the work was delayed due to the obstacles.