KATHMANDU, Nov 18: A clash erupted between the locals of Lapsiphedi and security forces at the site of an under-construction substation of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in Shankharapur Municipality-3, Kathmandu.
The locals clashed with the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel over the issue of compensation for acquiring land for the substation. Three security personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devraj Rai of Nepal Police, were injured in the clash.
The NEA aims to construct a substation at Lapsiphedi under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact for the transmission of electricity from the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers to the Kathmandu Valley.
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A meeting of the District Security Committee headed by Chief District Officer Jitendra Basnet had recently decided to establish an APF base camp and a Nepal Police post, led by DSP, for the security of the substation. When they attempted to set up the base camp on Friday, the locals blocked the road, felled trees, and attacked the security personnel with stones.
The NEA claimed that the government has already provided compensation to the locals for acquiring land to construct the substation. A 400 KV transmission line from New Khimti in Ramechhap to Lapsiphedi, passing through Bahrabise in Sindhupalchok, is in the final stages of construction. The 132 kV transmission line and substation from Lapsiphedi to Changunarayan in Bhaktapur are also under construction.
The 132 KV substation in Changunarayan is nearing completion. The authorities have determined the compensation amounts for the acquisition of 172 ropanis of land from 50 landowners for the construction of the substation. Public notices were published in mid-May to mid-June six years ago, and compensation distribution took place in mid-January to mid-February the next year.
However, a landowner has raised the issue of not getting an adequate amount in compensation.
