Kathmandu, Nepal - The growing number of houses and other structures being built beneath high-tension electricity transmission lines across Kathmandu Valley has emerged as a major public safety and urban planning concern. Authorities have revealed that many of these structures were constructed without approved building permits, despite legal provisions prohibiting construction within designated transmission line right-of-way areas.
According to officials, local governments are not permitted to approve building plans for structures located beneath high-voltage transmission lines due to the significant risks posed by electricity infrastructure. However, unauthorized construction has continued in various parts of the country, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas of the Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain stated that the metropolitan office has not approved building permits for houses constructed beneath high-tension transmission lines. He noted that structures currently found under transmission corridors were either built before the installation of the lines or were constructed without official approval.
The metropolitan city has recently intensified efforts to remove illegal structures. Following the demolition of unauthorized constructions in the Pashupati area, authorities are preparing to take similar action in other parts of the city.
Field observations indicate that houses, commercial buildings, garages, and temporary shelters have been constructed beneath transmission lines in areas including Chabahil, Gopikrishna, Budhanilkantha, Balaju, Vanasthali, Koteshwor, Jadibuti, Pepsi Cola, Kalanki, Bafal, Sukedhara, Satungal, Makalbari, and Mulpani. Similar encroachments have also been reported in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts.
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has expressed concern over the increasing number of structures within transmission line right-of-way zones. According to NEA Transmission Directorate Chief and spokesperson Engineer Rajan Dhakal, compensation has been provided to landowners affected by transmission line projects since the implementation of the Electricity Act, 1992. Despite receiving compensation, some landowners have proceeded with construction activities within restricted areas.
The authority has repeatedly issued public notices and coordinated with municipalities, ward offices, and local residents to discourage construction beneath transmission lines. Nevertheless, encroachments continue to occur.
Safety experts warn that high-voltage transmission lines pose serious risks, including electrical arcing, electrocution, and fire hazards. Such incidents can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and damage to property.
Under existing regulations, right-of-way requirements vary according to voltage capacity. For 66 kV and 132 kV transmission lines, a clearance of nine meters on either side is required, while 220 kV and 400 kV lines require even wider safety corridors. Permanent structures are prohibited within these designated zones.
Urban planners and infrastructure experts argue that weak monitoring, inadequate enforcement, and delayed intervention have contributed to the spread of unauthorized construction. They emphasize that preventing construction during the early stages is far more effective than attempting demolition after settlements have been established.
As Nepal continues to urbanize, authorities face increasing pressure to strengthen coordination between local governments, utility agencies, and communities to ensure public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and enforce land-use regulations.
The issue highlights broader challenges in urban governance, infrastructure management, and disaster-risk reduction, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness regarding the dangers of building beneath high-voltage transmission corridors.
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