A group of locals from Chuwa VDC in Parbat district, where the tunnel of the 20 megawatt project was being dug, also thrashed two workers allegedy for refusing to stop work. The locals had submitted a memorandum to the project´s office on Monday demanding that the project should construct roads, irrigation canals, bridges, school buildings in the area and provide employment to the locals. They obstructed the tunnel work accusing the project office of not heeding their demands.[break]
Police briefly arrested Dipak Chhetri, president of Trishakti Youth Club who led the locals, on the charge of thrashing the workers. He was freed on condition that he would not resort to violence to press the demands.
Prabin Shrestha, executive director of the project, has accused the locals of abruptly resorting to ugly ways to press their demands. “We´re thinking of addressing the locals´ genuine demands one by one,” he said. “But, they suddenly disrupted the project work.” According to Shreshta, one percent of the project´s total cost will be spent for local development.
The project, which is being developed by Manang Trade Link, is expected to start power generation by the end of 2072 BS [early 2016 AD]. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has already signed a power purchase agreement with the project one month ago.
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