The 30 MW Likhu Khola Hydropower Project, developed by Pike Hydro Ltd., lies along the Likhu River in Okhaldhunga and Ramechhap districts, Nepal, within the ancestral territories of the Koĩch-Sunuwar Indigenous Peoples. The river holds profound spiritual, cultural, and livelihood significance, sustaining ancestral rituals, cultural traditions, and Indigenous identity across generations.
Since 2017, the Koĩch-Sunuwar community has organized protests and petitioned government authorities to defend their collective rights, ancestral lands, livelihoods, and sacred sites. Their continued resistance has halted tunnel construction amid concerns over the lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and meaningful participation.
Following sustained advocacy, the community and Pike Hydro reached a 15-point agreement in November 2023. A revised environmental assessment acknowledged Indigenous ancestral lands, sacred sites, and potential impacts on livelihoods and water resources. A September 2025 monitoring report identified 171 households and 182.7 hectares of land potentially affected, highlighting risks to agriculture, water sources, and culturally significant sites.
Despite company commitments, the community continues to demand full implementation of FPIC, fair compensation, benefit-sharing, local employment, and effective environmental and cultural safeguards before construction proceeds. Local governments are also developing legislation to recognize Indigenous spiritual lands and cultural heritage, with technical support from LAHURNIP.
LAHURNIP stands alongside the Koĩch-Sunuwar community to defend their ancestral territories, protect their spiritual and cultural heritage, and uphold their collective rights and self-determination.
