Farmers and SJVNL reach deal after protests – Work resumes at Hydro project

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh under the leadership of Himachal Pradesh Kissan Sabha have reached an agreement with power company SJVNL after weeks of protests that had stopped work at the Luhri-1 Hydro Project. The protests began on April 16 when farmers blocked all work at the project site, demanding solutions to their problems.

The main issues were about unpaid compensation for cracks in houses caused by the project, delayed payments for crop damage, and unfulfilled promises of jobs for local families. After several rounds of talks with government officials, both sides finally agreed on a settlement on April 24.

Under the deal, farmers in Shamathla village will receive Rs 1.26 crore for house cracks by April 24, while other villages will get their payments after surveys are completed in May and June. For crop damage, farmers in Dehra, Gadej and Bayal villages will receive their money by May or July. The agreement also covers left-out farmers in Barkeli village who will be paid once the government gives approval.

On jobs, the company said 57 affected families and 132 local workers have already been hired through contractors. They are also considering letting families take one-time payments instead of jobs. The company promised to control noise from the project and complete landslide safety work in Narola village, which is already 95 oer cent done.

Some issues still need to be resolved, like providing irrigation to affected villages and releasing government development funds. But with this agreement, the farmers have called off their protest and work has started again at the project site.

The deal brings relief to both sides, though farmers say they will watch closely to make sure all promises are kept.