Haflong: Apprehending that they would be left in the lurch once the 150 MW Lower Kopili Hyrdro Electric Project in Dima Hasao district is commissioned, local people have demanded the state government to ensure proper compensation, rehabilitation and employment opportunities before power generation commences.
Several organisations, including Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), Sominder Karbi Amei (SKA) and Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA), together submitted a memorandum to Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi in this regard on Saturday.
The minister was on a two-day visit to Umrangso, where the power project is being implemented. The memorandum, on behalf of the organisations as well as general public of Longku and Umrangso, expressed the people’s support to the power project at Longku-Umrango, being undertaken by the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited.
While recognising that the project would mean a major boost to development of in the area, they also requested the state government to address the grievances of the people likely to be affected by the dam construction.
They pointed that the dam would submerge a large area covering several hectares of cultivable land, villages, forest and other private properties and subsequently alter the general habitation of the local people, like Karbis Dimasas and Garos.
The local people wanted their concerns to be addressed before the power project is finished, apprehending that their woes would go unheard once work is completed.
The Kopili Hydro Electric Project was the maiden venture of NEEPCO when it came into existence in 1976.
Their demands included adequate compensation to all the affected families, rehabilitation packages, first preference in terms of employment to the local affected people, all contract works/supply be given to the local affected Tribal people and improvement in the road communication. (UNI)
