Works are underway to address the inconveniences caused by electric poles and wires on farmland. However, the minister for energy and natural resources said budget constraints for compensation are hindering progress. The minister said this while presenting the Action Taken Report in the National Assembly today.
The minister reported that electric poles affected over 30 acres of private land.
He said that regarding land replacement, the ministry has initiated discussions with the National Land Commission.
However, he said the compensation costs would be significant.
According to the minister, compensating for land affected by transmission towers alone would require around Nu 48 M. And for those impacted by transmission lines, the estimated compensation would be nearly Nu 1.16bn.
“Regarding the compensation, we need a huge budget.”
However, some Members of Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with the report saying it lacks a clear solution.
They said the issue has been under discussion since last year’s summer session.
Namgay Dorji, Member of Parliament of Draagteng-Langthil in Trongsa said “Every year, the report lacks clarity, which is not satisfactory. We all agree that there is a problem, and even if the expenses incurred are high, the report should clearly state how many issues have been resolved, how many are remaining and how many land compensations have been made. If these are clear, there will be a result.”
Namgay Wangchuk, Member of Parliament of Lingmukha-Toedwang in Punakha said “When the electric wires and poles fall in the wetland, it causes inconveniences. Moreover, if a family has only 10 decimals of land and when they have to divide it among themselves, it is even more difficult to manage. Looking at these issues, it is time to make a clear decision on solving the problem.”
The minister of energy and natural resources said “We will work on the concerns put forth by the members, regarding the shifting of electric poles and providing compensation. However, the entire budget is expected to come from BPC. So, if these expenses can be accommodated within their tariff. If not, we request that the government provide a subsidy.”
The Social and Cultural Committee has been asked to present a report on the matter in the next session.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Tshering Zam
