With the works on the biggest hydropower project in the country, the Punatshangchu Hydropower Project, underway, it is expected to bring unprecedented economic growth. But, it does come with a heavy price as well. Once the construction of the dam in complete, close to 65 acres of land in the area will be submerged under water. And the worst affected is Hesonthangka in Wangduephodrang. It will directly affect 90 households in the area.
Once complete, the Punatshangchu Hydropower Project will generate 1,200 megawatts of Hydropower. For this mega project, a dam measuring a height of 136 metres is required, of which 76 meters will be constructed under the river bed.
Residents in that area said that it will be painful to lose their ancestral home. Although not up to their expectation, they were they were given land compensation by the government.
Some of the affected residents said that the market price of the land at the moment is between Nu. 20,000 to Nu. 30,0000. But, they said that they were given according to the government rate, which is between Nu. 4,000 to Nu. 6,000.
To add to their problem, they are not allowed to do any kind of work on the compensated land till the Thram is issued. Due to this the residents said they are not able to do anything as of now.
Project officials said that though they understood the sentiment of the residents, they said it is all but for a greater cause.
The residents are expected to move out sometime in 2012, once the construction of the dam begins.
