By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A proposed 2 MW micro-hydel power project in West Khasi Hills district by the Assam government could become the new flashpoint to the four-decade boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states with several organizations in the State opposing the move.
A day after the UDP brought the issue to the notice of the State government, the Indigenous Biodiversity & Social Welfare Organization (IBSWO) on Wednesday crticised the Assam government saying “this move will affect the livelihood of people of the state.”
A senior adviser of the IBSWO, PBM Basaiawmoit told reporters here on Wednesday that if the dam was built it would affect the people of three constituencies — Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district, Mawthadraishan and Rambrai in West Khasi hills district.
“Dams will affect the fragile ecosystem of the area and flora and fauna will also be affected. Building dams will not only affect those living downstream but also those who live in the upstream,” he said.
The Congress-led MUA government has feigned ignorance about the proposed Rs.13 crore dam to be built on Khri river. However, the MUA government’s key ally UDP has sought a clarification from Power Minister AT Mondal on the issue.
According to Assam government, the proposed project is of 2 MW micro hydel project being set up on the Dron (as the river is called in Assam) in the private sector at a cost of Rs 13 crore.
People of Mawdem, Athiabari, Mawshynrut, Sohma and others and the whole of Hima Kyrshai which comprises of 30 villages in three constituencies in Meghalaya would be affected badly if the Assam government is allowed to build the dam”, Basaiawmoit said. Basaiawmoit has also urged the state Government to take up the matter with Assam government immediately. On the other hand, Assam’s Kamrup Deputy Commissioner SK Roy, reportedly, claimed that the project site is far from the inter-state border.