Ministry seeks opinion for Hydropower projects in Sankhuwasabha

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has asked for public opinion regarding the Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the under-construction Upper- Arun Hydropower project and Ikhuwakhola Hydropower project in Sankhuwasabha. A notice has been issued in the “Gorkhapatra” on 21st October asking for the locals’ opinions on the documents presented by the company.

The Ministry has published the EIA report of the Ikhuwakhola Hydropower project along with the same notice while the locals claim it is a completely different project. Opinions have been asked on the EIA report for the construction of an access road of 23.9 km for the Upper-Arun hydropower project.

The Shree Upper-Arun Hydroelectric Ltd, Durbarmarg, Kathmandu has submitted a proposal along with the EIA for the construction of 23.19 km access road for Upper-Arun Hydropower Project in Bhotekhola Rural Municipality-2 and 4, and Makalu Rural Municipality-3 of Sankhuwasabha district informed the ministry. In the first section, construction of 21.19 km access road Project in Bhotekhola Rural Municipality-2 and 4 for Upper-Arun Hydropower Project is mentioned while the second section mentions the construction of 2 km access road in the Makalu Rural Municipality-3 for the Ikhuwakhola Hydropower project.

The first section’s 60 meters will be constructed in the mid-area of the Makalu Barun National Park while the second section will be constructed inside the Makalu Barun National Park.

2.03 km tunnel and three bridges have been proposed for the projects informed the Ministry. The proposal also mentions the access road will extend 15-15 meters from the central line, the projects will require 14.104 hectares of forest area and 61.272 hectares of agricultural land. The proposed project will affect two community forests and the Government Forest area while 4530 trees will have to be cut. The Ministry has demanded the locals to give their opinion and suggestions in this report as per Rule 9 (6) of the Environment Protection Rules, 2077 BS.

The decision to accept the project will be taken considering the people’s opinion. If anyone or any organization wants to give their opinion on the proposal, it must be submitted within 7 days from the release date of the advertisement. The opinion must be submitted in writing in the mentioned address, informed the Ministry.