SHILLONG: The proposed Mawphu Electric Hydro Project Stage-II set to be executed by NEEPCO is facing hurdle with the people of Thieddieng Village of Mawsynram Block in East Khasi Hills District, voicing their opposition to the project.
The villagers are allegations that during a survey of the project site which lies in their village, their land was destroyed.
The villagers have sought the help of the Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) in this regard.
Residents of Thieddieng village invited CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing and other members to visit the village and help them in their attempt to drum up support against the proposed project.
According to the observations of the CSWO members, even after 42 years of Statehood, the road connecting the Thieddieng Village with the rest of the State is in a sorry state.
In a statement issued here CSWO member Belbora Wankhar reminded that a question was raised in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on March 30, 1977, by the then MLA KM Roy Marbaniang who sought a reply from the then Minister in charge PWD, with regards to the construction of a road from Mawsynram to Thieddieng.
“The specific question was on whether the work was stopped and the answer to the query was that the construction work on the road has not been stopped. Work is in progress, and planned as per availability of funds,” the CSWO member said while informing of the reply.
However, there has been no progress with regards to the construction of the road even after 36 years, Wankhar informed.
“The area has cultivable land which are dedicated to cultivation of orange, bay leaf, pepper, betel nuts and betel leaf and yam, which provides means of sustenance for the people of the area. The land is suitable for such cultivation and there is vast forest area. The people use the forest for firewood and for construction of houses,” Wankhar said.
According to the CSWO member the people of the village greeted the CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing with a garland of sweet oranges.
Wankhar feared that land for cultivation of orange among other produces would be destroyed once the power project is set up in the area.
The CSWO extended support to the people of the village by saying that alienation of land cannot be tolerated.
Cement plants: The CSWO also opposed the plan of the Government to have a tripartite agreement with the Jaintia Hills-based cement plants allowing them to buy land for afforestation.
According to the CSWO, the Government instead should fine the cement companies and immediately ban them. “These companies have done enough destruction in Jaintia Hills and have benefitted from the subsidies, while people in those areas are badly affected, even health wise,” CSWO president Kharshiing said.