Tribals oppose hydropower projects by Anand Bodh

Hydropower projects in tribal Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti district are witnessing stiff opposition from local residents. But their protests are going unheard due to lack of political will. Tribals are up in arms to save their fertile lands and natural source of irrigation, but their concerns have gone unheard in government corridors, as the state government is approving projects one after another in tribal areas.

On Friday, over 200 residents of Tindi and Udaipur panchayats gathered at Nimu village of Udaipur sub-division in Lahaul-Spiti and rejected the proposal of 320 MW Shelli power project on Chenab river. They said the proposed dam with 187 meter height would submerge the agriculture and forest land of many villages, besides displacing the tribals from their villages which was not acceptable. Congress leader Jai Ram Thakur said, ‘The dam is being forced on tribal people against their wishes by the state government. During a public hearing on Friday, all the people opposed the dam. Another dam proposed at Jispa in Todh valley is also facing stiff opposition of residents.’

Tribals have also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through the Udaipur SDM, opposing the Shelli hydropower project.

‘The state government cannot force the project on tribals. As the dam site falls in tribal area of Himachal Pradesh, therefore under PESA Act, 1996, and Forest Right Act, 2006, the choice of option rests with the community,’ said Jai Ram.

While the local MLA, Ram Lal Markanday, feigned ignorance about the development, SDM Udaipur, Sachin Kanwal said the outcome of the meeting would be conveyed to the state government.