765kV transmission line under Dasu hydropower project: World Bank’s Inspection Panel to examine complaints

Business Recorder · 31/10/2026، 12:33:01 AM

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank’s independent Inspection Panel will visit Pakistan from November 2-10, 2026, to examine complaints by 15 individuals from two villages in Punjab over alleged inadequate compensation, massive devaluation of ancestral land and safety risks associated with the construction of over USD 700 million 765 kilovolt transmission line under the Dasu Hydropower Project. The complainants have alleged that the transmission line passing through their ancestral farmlands in the Tanda area of Punjab has caused significant and long-term damage to their families and other members of the community. The Request for Inspection, submitted on July 24, 2026, relates to the World Bank-financed Additional Financing for the Dasu Hydropower Stage-I Project for Construction of a Transmission Line (P167843). READ ALSO: ‘Adverse impacts’ of Dasu project: World Bank warns of retaliation by locals According to the complaint, the compensation offered for land acquired for the project is inadequate, while restrictions imposed under the transmission line’s Right of Way (RoW) corridor have substantially reduced the economic value and future development potential of the remaining land. The complainants maintain that the RoW restrictions prohibit construction of buildings and other structures and limit tree height to 2.5 metres. These restrictions have reportedly resulted in an estimated 80 percent devaluation of their land, effectively preventing affected families from implementing their plans to construct residential houses and establish a dairy farm. The request has also raised serious safety concerns, particularly for children, over the proximity of the high-voltage transmission line to residential areas, agricultural land and commercial properties. In addition, the complainants have questioned the adequacy of consultations conducted during project preparation and the disclosure of project-related information, particularly in connection with the preparation and disclosure of