By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government is trying to ascertain the truth behind the report in a vernacular daily that the Assam Government is conducting a survey on the Khri river in West Khasi Hills for implementing a power project.
Besides information regarding a survey, the report also stated that the power project is likely to displace a large number of villagers who are residing close to the Khri river.
When contacted, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal said it is the duty of the Home department to ascertain whether there is any such attempt by the Assam Government to come up with a power project inside Meghalaya.
“This matter does not concern the Power department since it is an issue related to encroachment,” Mondal said while speaking to The Shillong Times on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, S Kharlyngdoh, informed that the police have been instructed to ascertain the truth behind the report.
“As far as my knowledge goes the Brahmaputra Board had conducted a survey along the Khri river many years back. I do not think there was any survey recently by the Assam Government,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UDP has written to Mondal to verify the truth behind the report in the vernacular daily.
UDP working president, Paul Lyngdoh, in a letter submitted to Mondal on Tuesday sought his response over the doubts pertaining to the displacement of 26 villages if the power project materializes.
He added that the Power department’s clarification should be placed in the public domain in order to enlighten the people of the State regarding the matter.