Inundation of villages imminent: Residents
SHILLONG: The residents of Killing under the banner of the Protest Joint Action Committee (PJAC) have demanded an immediate withdrawal and cancellation of the proposed 240 MW Killing Hydro Electrical Project at Assam and Meghalaya border at Lamalong.
The delegation of the PJAC met Government Chief Advisor DD Lapang on Friday to express their concern over the construction of the proposed dam.
After the meeting with the delegation, Lapang had a telephonic discussion with Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) CEM Tuli Ram Ranching to express his concern over this matter.
Lapang also spoke with the MP from Karbi Anglong Biren Singh Ingty. Both leaders have assured Dr Lapang that they will look into the matter.
Meanwhile, in a memorandum submitted to Lapang, the PJAC stated that the KAAC had given a No Objection Certificate while the Assam government had already given the green signal to begin the construction of the Killing hydro electrical project by NEEPCO at Lamalong.
According to the PJAC, the State Government along with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council in 1072 had strongly opposed the move of the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) to construct a mega dam at the same location.
According to the committee, if the 240MW project was allowed to come up, the ancient sacred place – Mawbah Suphai at Ja-ir village will be submerged.
The committee also informed that around 30,000 hectares of land of Raid Namsha and Raid Thayang will be totally destroyed even as around 10,000 people residing in these two areas will be directly or indirectly affected due to loss of human habitation, agricultural land and trade and commerce due to dam water submersion.
It also pointed out that in the downstream areas of Raid Amjong and Raid Makro in Ri Bhoi district, people will be affected due to release of excess water from the proposed dam.
At the same time, the committee said that 15 km radius of agricultural land, human habitation; flora and fauna would be submerged if the project were allowed to come up.
