KATHMANDU, April 18 -- Seven-year old construction plan was delayed due to controversial land purchase deal related to former NOC chief Gopal Bahadur Khadka

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has stepped up its effort for the construction of petroleum storage plants in Bhairahawa, reviving its seven-year old controversial plan for this purpose.

Pradeep Yadav, a senior official of the NOC and project manager, said the state-owned oil monopoly is investing Rs 3 billion to construct the storage plant in 13.7 bighas of land situated on the bank of Rohini River. According to him, the NOC on Wednesday laid the foundation stone to start the preliminary works including construction of retaining wall, embankment and land filling at the project site.

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