KATHMANDU, Aug 31: The US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative of the United States has kicked off its implementation phase. The project's execution was formally initiated as Finance Minister Prakash Saran Mahat and Cameron Alford, Vice President of MCC for Compact Operations, exchanged the 'Entry into Force' (EIF) agreement on Wednesday.

According to the agreement, the project is slated for completion within the upcoming five years, aiming to finalize by August 29, 2027. The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal), established to oversee project implementation, will oversee ventures encompassing power transmission lines and road infrastructure development.

The land procurement process for the 400 kV power transmission initiative, designated under MCA-Nepal, has been set in motion in Makwanpur. This process commenced with the project's initiation. Preparations have been initiated for erecting substations along the Ratemate Hetauda route of the power transmission line. Furthermore, foundational work for towers is underway across various wards in Mata Municipality, Kailash Rural Municipality, Raksirang Rural Municipality, and Hetauda Sub-metropolis.

The Compensation Determination Committee, chaired by the Chief District Officer of Makwanpur, has already made decisions regarding initiating a household survey for individuals affected by the project. This decision is based on a preliminary action report for land acquisition.

On August 29, the District Administration Office, Makwanpur, released a 21-day notice for land acquisition, signaling the project's entry into the construction phase. During this period, any construction activities in the specified area are prohibited as the targeted land for acquisition will be frozen from the date of notification.

The construction plan for the Makwanpur section of the Ratemate Hetauda route encompasses the erection of 80 towers for the double-circuit 400 kV power transmission line. All power towers designated for construction within Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City-3 will be situated on government-owned land.

Furthermore, after the allocation of exempted land for tower foundations is established, a notice detailing compensation procedures will be issued.

The government has initiated the process of permanent land acquisition by procuring houses, sheds, and terraces spanning from the Ratemate substation to the new Hetauda substation section. A sub-committee has been created, led by the Assistant Chief District Officer of Makwanpur, to evaluate acquired land, buildings, terraces, trees, and crops. This sub-committee is tasked with establishing the foundation for land valuation and submitting a proposal accordingly.

In line with these developments, Hari Krishna Upreti, an environmental and social expert from MCA Nepal, has been appointed by the Ministry of Finance as the designated authority for initiating preliminary actions in Makwanpur.

The overarching MCC project envisions the construction of a transmission line that will traverse the Ratemate-Lapsiphedi-Hetauda-New Damauli-New Butwal corridor, supported by the US government grant. This will encompass transmission sections such as New Butwal, New Butwal-New Damauli, New Damauli-Ratemate (Nuwakot), Ratemate-Hetauda, and Ratemate-Lapsifedi (Kathmandu), originating from the Indian border.

Anticipated to be of 400 kV capacity, the transmission line will be accompanied by three substantial 400 kV substations at Ratemate, Damauli, and Butwal. The estimated budget for these transmission line projects amounts to approximately $400 million.

Beyond the power sector, the MCC initiative extends to road infrastructure enhancement, aiming to enhance approximately 77 kilometers of roadway stretching from Bhalubang in Dang to Seema Shiva River in Banke.

 
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