Upper Junbesi Hydroelectric Project Seeks Public Input on Transmission Line

The Department of Electricity Development has published a public notice seeking input on the environmental study required for the construction of a transmission line for the Upper Junbesi Khola Hydroelectric Project in Solukhumbu district.

The project, being developed by Gorkha Himalayan Hydro Limited, involves the construction of a 5.575-megawatt hydroelectric plant and a transmission line to connect it to the national grid. The transmission line will span 13.18 kilometers, with 8.47 kilometers of 33 kV double circuit line and 4.71 kilometers of 132 kV single circuit line.

The department has prepared an initial environmental examination (IEE) report, which suggests that the project may have significant environmental impacts. The report is open for public review and comment for 35 days from the date of publication.

The proposed transmission line will require the construction of 209 steel tubular poles for the 33 kV line and two towers for the 132 kV line. The project will also require the acquisition of approximately 0.5 hectares of land on a permanent basis and 0.53 hectares on a temporary basis.

The department has assured that the project will be implemented in accordance with the Electricity Act, 2049, and existing environmental standards, with measures in place to minimize impacts such as soil erosion, flooding, and air pollution.