TANAHUN: Locals of Belbas in Byas Municipality–13, who are affected by the Tanahu Hydropower Project, have demanded compensation.

They have claimed that Belbas is at risk due to the project and therefore should be fairly compensated.

They said that they will be affected by the under-construction 140-megawatt project based in Jhaptutar of Rishing Rural Municipality–1.

Meghnath Acharya, a member of the concern committee, said that the Belbas settlement will be submerged due to the Tanahun Hydropower Project.

The detailed study report of the Asian Development Bank has also suggested the risk of inundation in Belbas once the project is implemented.

The embankment built to protect the project office has caused the diversion of the Seti River toward Belbas, putting the settlement at high risk, it is said.

The locals have demanded proper compensation, citing that they may need to move to a safer location in the future to avoid the risk.

The committee drew the government’s attention to the issue during the visit to Tanahun by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising a few days ago.

According to committee coordinator Yam Bahadur Ale, a total of 170 households will be affected by the project.