The land acquisition process has been set into motion in Makwanpur, marking a significant step in the realization of an electricity transmission line initiative led by the Millenium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal). This endeavor falls under the broader framework of the Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) grant project sponsored by the United States.
The land acquisition process specifically pertains to the 400 KV power transmission project, which involves the section stretching from Ratemate Substation to New Hetaunda Substation in Makwanpur.
The Makwanpur District Administration Office made a formal announcement on Friday, revealing the commencement of land acquisition activities. This process encompasses locales such as Thaha Municipality Ward No. 8, Kailash Rural Municipality Wards No. 3, 4, 5, and 6, Raksirang Rural Municipality-1, and Wards No. 3 and 19 within Hetaunda Sub-Metropolitan Municipality.
Interested parties have a window of 21 days from the date of the notice’s publication (August 18, 2023) to submit applications to the District Administration Office, Makwanpur. These applications should outline compensation claims for any properties impacted by the land acquisition, including houses, terraces, trees, and crops. Additionally, individuals can present reasons why the land should not be acquired within a seven-day period.
Furthermore, the land acquisition process for the 400 KV power transmission project has also been initiated in Palpa, spanning from Butwal substation to Damauli substation.
The overarching MCC project envisions the construction of a transmission line that will traverse the Ratemate-Lapsiphedi-Hetaunda-New Damauli-New Butwal corridor, supported by the US government grant. This will encompass transmission sections such as New Butwal, New Butwal-New Damauli, New Damauli-Ratemate (Nuwakot), Ratemate-Hetauda, and Ratemate-Lapsifedi (Kathmandu), originating from the Indian border.
Anticipated to be of 400 kV capacity, the transmission line will be accompanied by three substantial 400 KV substations at Ratemate, Damauli, and Butwal. The estimated budget for these transmission line projects amounts to approximately $400 million.
Beyond the power sector, the MCC initiative extends to road infrastructure enhancement, aiming to enhance approximately 77 kilometers of roadway stretching from Bhalubang in Dang to Seema Shiva River in Banke.
