By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Sordar from different villages around Umngot have sought a clarification from MeECL senior engineer Elias Lyngdoh on his claim that majority of the people were in support of the 240 MW Umngot Hydro Electric project.
Sordar of different villages, under the banner of Ka Kynhun Jong Ki Harud Wah Umngot, have signed a statement demanding clarification from the MeECL official on his claims that only one anti-dam activist was against the project while majority of the people were in favour of the project.
“On July 20 last, villagers from seven villages including Mynsang, Mawsir and others, had got together and spoken against the project saying that it would bring about lots of hardships in their lives if the project is implemented,” the statement read.
The proposed 240 MW Umngot project has hit a major stumbling block after land owners opposed the project fearing that construction of the dam will cause their villages to be submerged.
Residents of the areas had also pointed out that assured compensation of Rs 4.9 lakh per hectare to those farmers whose land would be affected by the power project was grossly inadequate.
“Nothing can compensate for the loss of our agricultural lands,” the statement added.
The Umngot Hydro Electric Project will cover an area of 390 hectares straddling both Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills districts and will be implemented by MeECL over a period of five years.
Interestingly, the project is facing opposition from villagers in East Khasi Hills while people in Jaintia Hills district have welcomed it.
