MCA’s transmission line to displace 50 settlements in Nuwakot

A preliminary list of the settlements affected due to expansion of the transmission line by Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee from Lapsephedi, Kathmandu to Hetauda and Tanahun via Ratamate, Nuwakot has been published.

Senior Officer Hari Krishna Uprety shared that the preliminary list of the affected settlements located on both the sides of transmission lines to be extended through MCC has come to light.

According to him, the list of the settlements to be affected in course of the construction of the transmission line through MCA-Nepal, the government agency of the project to be constructed through US grant MCC, was disclosed.

As per the published list, 50 settlements of 18 wards of Shivapuri, Panchakanya, Likhu and Tarakeswor rural municipality along with Belkotgadhi of Nuwakot would be affected.

“The list of settlements to be affected from the construction of pillars and installation of wires in course of the expansion of the 400-KV double circuit transmission line from Lapsiphedi to Ratmate has been published”, Uprety said.

MCA Nepal’s Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista said a survey would be administered after publication of the list of the affected settlements to design and deliver compensation to the identified communities.

He said 147 towers were needed to be erected in course of the construction of a 53-km transmission line in Nuwakot. At least 50 human settlements of 18 wards of five local level governments of the district would likely be affected during the construction of the transmission line.

‘A survey of privately-owned land would begin soon with the disclosure of the preliminary list after determining affected wards and settlements’, Bishta said, adding there would be a spectacular role on part of the local community in timely completing the tasks by extending support to the technical staff deputed for the survey.

However, local level governments and affected residents here have expressed their discontent alleging MCA Nepal for showing apathy to the affected communities in course of the substation construction and transmission line expansion.

The local level governments 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 the transmission line.