Villagers oppose NEEPCO project

SHILLONG: A section of the residents of Thieddieng has opposed the implementation of the Mawphu Hydro Electric Project (Stage II) by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) on the ground that it “destroyed” land owned by them.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dmis P. Wanroi alleged that farm land owned by people of the village in East Khasi Hills district was destroyed following the implementation of the project. 
 She further alleged that NEEPCO has dug a tunnel without consulting with the land owners. “Even the headman is involved,” she remarked.
An irate land owner, Simar Syierlait, asserted that she would not allow NEEPCO to use her land for the project as it would destroy her crops and trees.
Interestingly, the affected residents do not know how deep the tunnel has been dug as they were informed that NEEPCO is only surveying the land.
“We will not give away our land till our last breath,” Wanroi said. She said that the villagers have appealed to the local MLA and MDC, Pynshngain N. Syiem, who is also the chief executive member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), but to no avail.