The Marsyangdi Hydropower Center has provided compensation to 19 families affected by its project in Ward No. 4 of Aabu Khaireni Rural Municipality. The compensation follows the acquisition of nine ropanis, ten annas, two paisa, and three dams of land, including plots from 14 families and five residential houses.
According to Chief Engineer Pashupati Gautam, the center allocated a total of Rs 217.89 million for land acquisition. Of this, Rs 178.79 million was distributed for land, while Rs 39.9 million was designated for the affected houses and sheds.
The Compensation Determination Committee—led by the Chief District Officer—set the land compensation rate at Rs 18.49 million per ropani.
Earlier, residents of Eaklephant in Ward No. 2 had staged protests demanding compensation after their area was submerged due to the project. With the recent compensation now disbursed, the residents have expressed their satisfaction and relief.
Center Chief Gautam confirmed that the compensation process for the permanently acquired land near the dam site is now complete. The 69-megawatt hydropower project had taken over the land following flooding and erosion caused by the dam’s operations.
Local residents, fearing potential casualties from future incidents, had long demanded relocation to safer areas with proper compensation. Aabu Khaireni Rural Municipality Chairperson Shukra Chuman noted that while the residents had to endure delays and struggle for their rights, they are now happy with the outcome.
