Locals Halt Power Generation from Rawakhola Over Unpaid Land Compensation

Residents of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality in Khotang have forced the suspension of electricity generation from the three-megawatt Upper Rawakhola Hydroelectricity Project, protesting against the denial of compensation for their land acquired by the project.

In a bold move, the locals diverted water from the project’s dam back into the river, effectively halting power production. Their action follows a series of protests against Rawa Energy Development Company Limited, Halesi Energy Company Limited, and the Lower Mid Rawakhola Hydroelectric Project, all operating along the Rawakhola River at the border of Sungdel and Dipsung.

Maitiraj Rai, coordinator of the Private and Public Property Conservation Struggle Committee, Kepilasgadhi, accused the hydropower companies of deceiving locals by failing to provide the promised compensation. “We had warned that if our demands were not met by March 16, we would take action. Today, we have shut down the Rawakhola Project,” he stated.

The dispute centers around 5,200 meters of land used for transmission line expansion and 38 plots acquired for pipeline installation. The locals are demanding a resolution, vowing to continue their struggle until their rightful compensation is provided.