Meghalaya: Anti-dam groups write to CM opposing Umngot power project
The JAC, through the letter, stated that they will not hold any discussions on this project, and neither will they allow surveys to be conducted in and around the river, either by the government or the company for the proposed project.
By Daiaphira Kharsati
SHILLONG:
The Joint Action Committee, a conglomeration of pressure groups and traditional heads of Meghalaya, has written to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, opposing the proposed Umngot Hydro Electric Project, and urged the government to keep the project in abeyance.
The JAC, through the letter, stated that they will not hold any discussions on this project, and neither will they allow surveys to be conducted in and around the river, either by the government or the company for the proposed project.
The committee cited many reasons for opposing the project including tourism, loss of agricultural land, and pollution among other things.
JAC to meet CM
Meanwhile, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), which is part of JAC, has decided to meet the CM in person and submit a memorandum on the same.
Treibor Suchen of JSU informed that about 20-25 villages in East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts will likely be affected if the project sees the light of the day.
Referring to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Suchen claimed that the government has bypassed the norms of organising a public hearing on the matter.
Importance of the Project
The 210 MW Umngot Hydro Electric Project has been deemed as a big project that will make the state self-sufficient in hydroelectricity production.
The anti-dam camp felt that the construction of a dam would affect the agricultural lands and forests, while maintaining that agriculture is the source of livelihood for people in that area.
(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)
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