KATHMANDU: The government has removed a key obstacle that had stalled construction of the Dhalkebar–Hetauda 400kV transmission line for the past 12 years by approving the use of forest land for the project.
A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday granted the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) permission to use 2.2 hectares of national forest in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City-15 and Bakaiya Rural Municipality-2 of Makwanpur under the Forest Act, 2019. The decision also allows the felling of 1,292 trees required for the project.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the project had remained delayed for years due to pending approvals related to forest land use, right of way, and tree clearance.
The Dhalkebar–Hetauda–Inaruwa transmission corridor stretches around 300 kilometres and requires a 46-metre-wide right of way for the 400kV high-voltage transmission line.
While a 220kV circuit from Hetauda to Butwal has already been completed, the new 400kV line is expected to significantly strengthen Nepal’s national transmission system.
Once operational, the line will improve east-west power flow, enhance grid reliability, reduce frequent tripping and power disruptions, and facilitate greater electricity exports to India.
Acting NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha said the transmission line would make Nepal’s power grid more balanced and reliable by enabling electricity generated in the east to be transmitted to the west and vice versa.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha described the project as an “energy highway,” saying it would substantially boost Nepal’s electricity export capacity. He said the country’s current export capability of around 1,000 megawatts could increase to between 2,500 and 3,000 megawatts once the transmission infrastructure is fully operational.
Comment