The Lower Arun Hydropower Project is projected to directly impact two hundred sixty-eight families. The 669-MW project is to be developed in Sankhuwasabha district of Koshi Province.

The project developer, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, an Indian hydropower company, plans to acquire nearly 65 hectares of land from locals, according to the draft report titled "Lower Arun Hydroelectricity Resettlement and Rehabilitation."

"This will include 70 hectares of forest area and six hectares of public land," said Arun Dhiman, Chief Executive Director of Lower Arun Power Development Company. The project plans to compensate the affected locals with approximately Rs 1.40 billion.

Satluj has begun consulting with residents of the project-affected area now that the project is confirmed.

The project will not include a reservoir or dam but will function as a tailrace development of the Arun-III hydro project, allowing water to re-enter the river for the Lower Arun project. To achieve this, the company will construct a 17.4-kilometre tunnel at Chewabesi of Khandbari Municipality-2.

Satluj is also developing the 900-MW Arun-III Project. -- RSS