Kohima: Five villages under Yongyah area in Longleng district of Nagaland on Tuesday reaffirmed their previous disagreements with the Power Department over the construction of the Dikhu Hydro Electrical Project at Tamlu in a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Longleng for onward intimation to the higher authority.
According to a joint statement issued by M Chingda (chairman Village Council Yongyah), L Vangshong (chairman Village Council Yongshei), C Angtang (chairman Village Council Nian), S Yongi (chairman Village Council Tangha) and Nyemnyei (chairman Village Council Yongam), the villages on June 27 last at consultative meeting resolved that before the final consent for the construction of the hydro project, the Power Department should clearly demarcate areas which were to be covered by the project.
It also decided that all village authorities and people of the area would support and cooperate for successful completion of survey works.
Based on the twin resolutions, the signatories said full cooperation was extended to the survey and investigation works carried out by M/s Manu Energy Systems Private Limited and the Power Department.
However, they pointed out, after completion of the demarcation of boundary on August 29 and 30, 2011, it came to light that areas to be submerged from the mainstay agricultural land were very vast.
While appreciating the government’s effort to develop the under developed areas, the village chairmen maintained that such development should not come against the will of the people.
In view of environment concerns, the village chairmen said the public of Yongyah unanimously decided on October 14, 2011 to oppose the proposed Dikhu Hydro Electric Project so as to save the flora and fauna and the earth for future generations.
The signatories had also requested the power department, M/s Manu Energy System and the Longleng district administration to immediately stop construction of Dikhu hydroelectric project in the larger interest of public and further cautioned that public should not be held responsible under any circumstances for any untoward incident due to non-fulfillment of the decision. They had also requested those authorities involved for fullest cooperation and understating in this regard. (UNI)