Compensation Rates Fixed for Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project-Affected Residents in Gorkha

Gorkha: Land Compensation Finalized for Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project 341 MW

The Chumnubri Rural Municipality has finalized compensation rates for residents affected by the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project 341 MW, a semi-reservoir-based (peaking run-of-river) project developed by private company Sahaas Urja.

Land Compensation Rates

Him Pathak, Managing Director of Sahaas Urja, said the government set the rate for land within residential areas in Ward No. 3, Salleri—the dam construction site—at Rs. 300,000 per aana. For plots smaller than four aana, the rate rises to Rs. 400,000 per aana, while land outside settlement areas is valued at Rs. 150,000 per aana.

The project requires approximately 80 ropani of land. However, compensation for houses will depend on a technical report prepared by the rural municipality, Pathak added.

Resettlement Plans

A total of 26 households will be displaced. Rural Municipality Chair Nima Lama explained that some families may relocate to Philim or Jagat, but the final decision is still pending.

The compensation meeting included Chair Lama, Vice-Chair Lakshmi Gurung, Ward Chair Ramkumar Gurung of Ward 2, local executive members, and representatives from major political parties such as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre). Residents from Salleri, Bhaluwan, Jagat, and Nagchet actively participated in the discussion.

Project Overview

The 341 MW Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, led by Sahaas Urja, will become Nepal’s largest private-sector hydropower initiative. The dam will rise at Salleri, with electricity generated at a powerhouse in Taatopani, Dharche–3, through a 6.8 km underground tunnel. The power will then travel via a 45 km transmission line to the Ratamate Substation in Nuwakot, connecting directly to the national grid. The project’s estimated cost is Rs. 70 billion.

Useful Links:

• Sahaas Urja Official Website

• Budhi Gandaki Project Updates

• Nepal Ministry of Energy

• Ratamate Substation Information

• Nepal Electricity Authority