Locals Demand Immediate Compensation or Return of Land from Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project

Locals affected by the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project have urged the government to immediately provide compensation or return their land and homes. The project has made life difficult for residents living in the submerged areas and halted development activities, prompting the Concerned Committee to criticize the government. The committee has warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met and accused the project of remaining in limbo for over a decade. Kathmandu, 12 August.

Following the indefinite suspension of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, affected locals have demanded either rightful compensation or the return of their land and homes. Residents in submerged zones provided land in hope of rehabilitation and resettlement, receiving partial compensation, but are now facing uncertainty. They insist on distribution of the remaining compensation, claiming administrative delays have deprived them of their due payments. Additionally, residents of the market area are calling for safeguards to protect their businesses. They have also issued a warning that if compensation is not provided, the land must be returned.

The National Concerned Committee of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project released a statement criticizing the current government for neglecting the project and leaving locals in distress. The committee demands that those living in submerged areas be granted benefits in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and the recommendations submitted to the cabinet by the District Compensation Committee of Gorkha-Dhading. They also call for the construction of a ring road outside the Budhigandaki reservoir and the development of an organized town to facilitate the rehabilitation of displaced residents. The committee has warned that the project will be prevented from progressing unless these demands are fulfilled.