SHILLONG: The farmers’ association has opposed setting up of Umngot hydel project.
The farmers’ association from the six villages, Umsawwar, Pashang, Mynsang, Mawsir,Mawdulop and Ksanrangi in East Khasi Hills gathered recently at Mawsir village and opposed the proposed 240 MW Umngot hydel power project
The farmers said they are against the project since they do not have land to give to MeECL for construction of dam and added that they would become landless if the proposed project takes off.
According to the farmers, the only land they have is being used for agricultural purposes where they earn their livelihood and the people primarily depend on agriculture.
“If the proposed Umngot project is executed in our land, the area would be completely submerged which will in turn affect the livelihood of the people and the future generations”, the villagers said.
The farmers said that besides the loss of agricultural land, the project will also affect bio-diversity including wild edible vegetables, fruits, pollinators, medicinal plants, birds, flowers, aquatic life.
Moreover, the water springs and small rivers will also cease to exist, they said
The farmers said that money cannot compensate the valuable land.
“We will not let the Government to just take away land from us as our people work day and night through farming activities to sustain our family and send our children to schools “, they said.
The farmers urged the MeECL to understand their difficulties and not to execute the project in Umngot river.
The land owners of the area are also unhappy over MeECL carrying out survey without permission.
According to the landowners, allotment of land for the project would affect the whole village.
