Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)-Nepal has published a preliminary list of the settlements which will be affected by the expansion of transmission line from Lapsephedi in Kathmandu to Hetauda and Tanahun via Ratamate in Nuwakot.
Senior Officer Hari Krishna Uprety shared that the preliminary list of the affected settlements located on both sides of transmission lines to be extended through Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has been published.
According to Uprety, the list of the settlements to be affected in course of the construction of transmission line through MCA-Nepal — the government agency of the project to be constructed through US grant MCC — has been disclosed.
As per the list, 50 settlements of 18 wards of Shivapuri, Panchakanya, Likhu and Tarkeshwar rural municipalities along with Belkotgadhi of Nuwakot will be affected.
‘The list of settlements to be affected from the construction of pillars and installation of wires in course of the expansion of 400-KV double circuit transmission line from Lapsephedi to Ratmate has been published”, Uprety said.
MCA-Nepal’s Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht said a survey will be carried out after the publication of the list of the affected settlements to design and deliver compensation to the identified communities.
It is necessary to erect 147 towers for the construction of around 53-kilometre transmission line in Nuwakot, he said. At least 50 human settlements of 18 wards in five local levels of Nuwakot are likely to be affected during the construction of the transmission line, he added.
‘A survey of privately-owned land will begin soon with the disclosure of the preliminary list after determining affected wards and settlements’, Bishta said, adding there will be a spectacular role on part of the local community in the timely completion of the tasks by extending support to the technical staff deployed for the survey.
However, local governments and affected residents Nuwakot have expressed their discontent accusing MCA-Nepal of showing apathy to the affected communities in course of the sub-station construction and transmission line expansion.
The local bodies have been boycotting meetings of the compensation determination committee which is mandated to take decisions on compensation to be provided in course of the expansion of transmission line.
