Shimla, July 5
Farmers belonging to 310 maga watt Luhri Hydropower project area submitted a detailed memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, addressing the numerous challenges faced by the farmers of the affected Panchayats, including Neerath, Delath, Duttnagar, Badach, Karangla, Shamthala, Bhutti, Kirti, and Thanedhar.
The memorandum outlines several pressing issues including fair compensation for crop loss due to dust, following the 2011 government policy, which requires identifying affected areas within 300, 600, and 900 meters radius from the project.
Firstly, the committee calls for a fair compensation method for crop loss due to dust, following the 2011 government policy, which requires identifying affected areas within 300, 600, and 900 meters. The committee also raised concerns about delayed compensation, noting that compensation for dust damage has only been partially distributed, with several Panchayats still awaiting assessment and compensation for the years 2021-22. Additionally, while Gram Panchayat Nirath received compensation for blasting-induced cracks, surveys in other affected Panchayats remain incomplete, and a timely survey and compensation distribution are requested.
The memorandum insists on employing local youth in the project, as per the rehabilitation and resettlement policy. It urges immediate measures to prevent landslides in Narula village caused by project-related blasting, with a deadline of September 30, 2024. The committee also stresses the need for compensatory measures for natural water source damage due to the project and suggests using dam water for irrigation in affected areas.
Furthermore, the memorandum emphasizes the completion of developmental works under the Local Area Development Authority (LADA) and ensuring 12 percent free electricity. The committee criticizes the government’s failure to implement the rehabilitation policy effectively, calling for either employment or a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for land-losing families. The rapid urbanization due to the project necessitates the construction of a proper sewerage system in Nirath, Dattanagar, and Bhadrash.
Additionally, a 50-member delegation led by former CPM MLA Rakesh Singha met with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, to demand action against the hydropower company for illegally dumping debris into the Satluj River. Mr. Singha protested at the dumping site, highlighting the environmental violations by Ritvik company.
The Himachal Kisan Sabha urges prompt resolution of these issues to alleviate the adverse impacts on the local farmers and ensure sustainable development in the region.
