Council of Ministers of the government of Nepal has made decision on 2 November, 2023 to provide compensation of the lands (454 Ropani / 2.5 million sq.ft) that have been grabbed in the pretext of constructing 24 KM link road from Khandbari Municipality-4 to Chichila Rural Municipality-2, Diding without compensation and consent of affected communities.
The road is to connect the powerhouse of Arun-III hydro power project that is located in Pukhuwa, Diding with the main highway in Chhayangkuti, Shankkhuwasabha.
900 MW Arun – III hydro power project, located in Shankhauwasabha district (the ancestral lands of many Indigenous Peoples), is being developed by Satlaj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), Indian state-owned Corporation.
The road construction is causing destruction of lands, forest, environment and livelihoods of affected communities. The affected communities have been defending their lands and territories for the past 7 years demanding justifiable compensation and their participation in decision making processes that concern them.
The affected communities carried out 56 days long protests that has been started from 2 September 2023 to put pressure on the government and company to get their demands heard.
"We had a meeting with the Prime Minister and other concerned stakeholders on 1 November 2023 on the issue. The Prime Minister assured that compensation would be distributed within 3 months. Therefore, we have decided to put our struggle on hold for the time being "said Mr. Jani Kumar Rai, the coordinator of the struggle committee.
