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The Council of Ministers, in a meeting held on Tuesday, has decided to grant permission to use land within national forest areas for various hydropower and transmission line projects.

With the aim of accelerating the expansion of energy infrastructure, the government has approved the use of necessary forest land for the construction of the Kerabari–New Marsyangdi–Daraudi Corridor 132 kV Electricity Transmission Line Project, the Upper Junbesi Khola Hydropower Project, and the Seti Khola Hydropower Project.

According to the decision, permission has been granted to use land within national forest areas and to remove trees, plants, and utility poles during the construction of the Kerabari–New Marsyangdi–Daraudi Corridor Transmission Line. Upon completion of the corridor, it is expected to facilitate the connection of hydropower generation from the eastern and central regions to the national transmission system.

Similarly, the Cabinet has approved the use of forest land required for the construction of the Upper Junbesi Khola Hydropower Project, including the removal of trees and existing structures in the designated area. Government sources stated that the approval was granted after completing the required legal procedures, as the use of forest land is essential for the development of the project’s physical infrastructure and transmission facilities.

The Cabinet has also agreed to allow the use of national forest land for the construction of the 132 kV transmission line associated with the Seti Khola Hydropower Project, along with the removal of necessary trees and utility poles. This decision is expected to expedite the construction of the project’s transmission infrastructure and facilitate the integration of the generated electricity into the national grid.

The government has stated that the approval for forest land use will be subject to conditions, including environmental impact mitigation measures, compensatory tree plantation, and compliance with relevant legal provisions. The Council of Ministers has reportedly prioritized the rapid development of the energy sector, increased electricity generation, and the construction of essential infrastructure to strengthen the national transmission system.

Although the use of forest land remains a sensitive issue in the expansion of energy infrastructure, the government maintains that the approvals were granted in accordance with legal procedures for projects of national importance. With this decision, the construction of the respective projects is expected to gain further momentum.

Jalasarokar