DAMAULI: Residents of Byas Municipality-13 in Tanahun district staged protests against the land acquisition process for a transmission line extension project funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Expressing their discontent, local residents submitted a memorandum to Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal on Thursday, alleging that the land acquisition occurred unilaterally, ignoring their demands and concerns.

The protesters argue that the entire process, from the survey of the transmission line to land acquisition, lacked a scientific approach. In response, they have formed a concern committee to address the issue.

Uma Kanta Regmi, the coordinator of the concern committee, highlighted their apprehensions about the land acquisition, stating that the committee had decided to halt the process. He pointed out that they disagreed with the district administration office’s decision to issue a notice for the advancement of land acquisition along the 400 kV Ratmate-Damauli-Butwal transmission line without consulting the affected residents.

Ashok Raj Panta, the committee secretary, accused the state of attempting to destroy arable lands in contradiction to its agricultural prioritization policy.

He suggested exploring alternative solutions, emphasizing, “We oppose the land acquisition process as it threatens lands that have been essential for livelihoods for generations.”