Three Dima Hasao villages oppose APGCL–Adani hydro project over livelihood fears
A memorandum has been written to state BJP chief Dilip Saikia highlighting the ecological impact of the project.
A meeting was held in August at CEM’s Conference Hall DHAC regarding the 1200 MW Pumped Storage Power Project.
Haflong, Nov 24: Strong opposition has emerged from the residents of Moti Lampu, Moti Hojai, and Riam Bathari villages under Hadingma constituency in Dima Hasao district against the proposed 1200-MW hydroelectric power project planned to be set up jointly by the Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd (APGCL) and Adani Green Energy Ltd.
In a memorandum addressed to the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh, Dilip Saikia, the village representatives – Mohonlal Rajiyung, Gaonbura of Moti Lampu village, and Joytolal Khersa, Gaonbura of Moti Hojai village, along with Nailon Bathari of Riam Bathari village – expressed deep concern over the reported issuance of a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) for the proposed project site.
According to the memorandum, the villagers have learned that the Forest Department has already conducted a survey for the project. They apprehend that once commissioned, the hydropower project would lead to submergence of fertile agricultural and jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation land, which forms the mainstay of their livelihood.
The objection letter also highlights the ecological impact of the project, warning that ‘abundant forest cover, rare wildlife, flora and fauna, streams, and the ecological balance will be lost forever’, leaving the indigenous population without means of sustenance.
The signatories stated that the inhabitants of the three villages have been living in the area since time immemorial and depend primarily on agriculture, particularly eri-muga silkworm rearing and traditional jhum cultivation. They argued that the establishment of the hydroproject would deprive them of their livelihood and displace tribal families from their ancestral lands.
Terming the move as a case of ‘making a few rich people richer’, the villagers conveyed their decision to democratically protest against the project until its withdrawal. They appealed to the BJP leadership to intervene urgently and ensure that the project is withdrawn to protect the rights and future of the tribal populace in the area.
By
Correspondent