KP Sharma

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) has proposed land substitution as compensation for landowners whose farm land has been affected by the installation of electricity infrastructure.

MoENR Minister Gem Tshering presented this proposal during a report to the National Assembly (NA) recently.

The NA passed a motion last summer seeking solutions for those whose farmlands were disrupted by electric transmission towers, distribution lines, and transformers.

According to the MoENR report, 12,364 private plots are impacted by transmission lines, including 1,057 towers. In addition, 54,849 plots are affected by distribution lines, and 3,365 plots by distribution transformers.

While the motion initially recommended relocation of the infrastructure, Lyonpo Gem Tshering cautioned that such measures would entail higher financial cost and logistical hurdles.

Preliminary estimates indicate that relocating the transmission lines could cost around Nu 15.13 billion, while shifting distribution lines and substations would require an additional Nu 7.2 billion.

Over the past three years, the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) has relocated 375 distribution systems, spending Nu 94 million through a cost-sharing arrangement.

Lyonpo Gem Tshering explained that relocating a single tower often necessitates moving adjacent towers, which further escalates costs.

Further, obtaining alternative rights of way (RoW) is challenging and lead to power disruptions and economic losses.

A comprehensive physical survey is planned in the coming months to better assess the implications of these proposed relocations.

Lyonpo added that the new RoW rules and regulations currently being developed are expected to address the ongoing challenges.

South-Thimphu Member of Parliament (MP) Tshewang Rinzin attributed some of the issues to a lack of clarity in existing regulations, suggesting that raising awareness among stakeholders could help mitigate future challenges.

Bongo-Chapcha MP Pempa proposed that, if land replacement proves unfeasible and relocation is too costly, the MoENR could explore the possibility of laying cables and wires underground, a potential alternative that could avoid the need for land displacement.

Some MPs, including Speaker Lungten Dorji, raised concerns about the safety risks posed by high-voltage transmission lines running through residential areas.

The Social and Cultural Committee of the National Assembly highlighted the challenges caused by electric poles and transmission lines, urging the government to review policies to provide better support for genuinely affected individuals.

The Committee stated that farmers have had to sacrifice their lands and crops due to inadequate compensation and land replacement schemes.