A task force has been formed to solve the problems facing the Koshi corridor transmission line project in Dharan, Sunsari.

According to Nepal Electricity Authority, the task force, led by Chief District Officer of Sunsari Prem Prakash Uprety, will submit its report on the project to Province 1 Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai within a week.

The project work at Ward 20 of Dharan sub-metropolis has been halted as the city residents have opposed the plan of building the transmission line through their area, citing that it could affect the local tourist sites.

The NEA officials say that the concern raised by the locals is unfounded and that the transmission line cannot be diverted.

“The issues raised by Dharan sub-metropolis do not clash with the expansion of the line. The effect of changing the route will befall the development of the whole country,” NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising said.

He added that the NEA was ready to discuss ways to provide social security to those affected by the project work.

Chief Minister Rai has said that the Koshi corridor transmission line needs to be completed in time as Province 1 is planning to bring investment in hydropower. 

The NEA has proposed constructing the transmission line through Bhedetar-Chhoti, Morag-Sardu, Jaladhar area-Tamakham-Salbote-Chinde, and Danda-Bhyangjyan-Gorkha Memorial Park-Jalkanya Community Forest. Dharan sub-metropolis has proposed diverting the transmission line via Bhedetar-Chulikot (Ghumaunedanda) to Khaire-Kokaha river-Bhaludhunga.

The plan to set up seven towers in the Koshi River for the 400KV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line has also been met with protest. To install these towers, the project officials have proposed digging 40 metres deep into the riverbed.

NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising said there was no alternative to expanding the line through the river since diverting the route involves technical difficulties. The NEA has signed the power purchase agreement with 28 private hydropower projects with the total 516MW capacity. The project is expected to be completed by December 2020.