Land acquisition begins for Arun III project’s transmission line

KATHMANDU: The process of acquiring land for the construction of 400 KV transmission line towers, a crucial component of the 900 MW Arun III Hydroelectric Project, has been set into motion.

The District Administration Office in Sankhuwasabha has issued a public notice, announcing the permanent acquisition of land in specific areas of Khandbari Municipality, namely, ward numbers 1, 2, 4, and 8, to facilitate the construction of transmission line towers.

During a meeting held on June 30, overseen by the Chief District Officer, the compensation for the acquired land, including houses, sheds, and trees, was determined.

Homeowners and landowners concerned have been urged to apply promptly for compensation.

In case local residents express dissatisfaction with the offered compensation amount, they have the option to apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 15 days.

The compensation amounts, based on the type of land, have been fixed in the range of Rs 500,000 to Rs 800,000. The acquisition will affect 29 individuals whose land is involved in the project.

The Arun-III Hydroelectric Project, a semi-reservoir hydroelectric endeavor undertaken by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, a Government of India-owned entity, has already crossed the halfway completion mark.

The project has a significant milestone to achieve within the next 18 months, aiming to commence electricity generation.

Once operational, the project intends to export the generated electricity to India, necessitating the construction of a 400 kV transmission line to facilitate power transmission across the border.