Congress demands KHADC not to grant NOC for two mega power projects

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 9, 2021

The opposition Congress on Tuesday demanded the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council not to grant No-objection certificates (NOC) for the proposed construction of two mega power projects under its jurisdiction.

While moving a motion during the ongoing winter session, Congress MDC Bajop Pyngrope said the state government is taking steps to bring mega power projects by construction of a big dam over Umngot River and Kulsi dam over Khri River.

He however said ninety-nine per cent of the people are opposing the government’s move to implement these two projects.

“(Therefore), the executive committee (EC) should not give NOC to such projects which will only affect the environment and well being of the people of the region,”Pyngrope said.

He added that the state government should conduct public hearings before deciding to go ahead with such projects.

According to him, the Kulsi Dam proposed to be constructed by the Brahmaputra Board is also located in one of the “areas of difference” along the inter-state border with Assam.

In his reply, KHADC chief Titosstar Well Chyne admitted that the construction of the two dams would no doubt affect the environment.

He said in regards to the Umngot river, not only will it affect the environment and agricultural activities but tourism as well.

Chyne also alleged that the state government has gone ahead and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the implementing agency for construction of a dam over Umngot River without getting the consent from the district council.

“However based on a complaint submitted by a group of concerned people on April 1, I had immediate written to the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd and the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner that they (government) cannot go ahead with the process of land acquisition without the consent of the district council,” he said while adding that following vehement opposition from the people and the KHADC, the government had scrapped the MoU.

The CEM further assured, “We will follow up the matter and ensure that the government also scrap the Umngot hydro power project.”

On the move of the Brahmaputra Board to construct the Kulsi dam over Khri River, Chyne said that river is located along the inter-state border between Assam and Meghalaya adding that if the dam is constructed, it will affect and dislocate the people of villages of the two districts – West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi as over 5.75 sq km land will submerged under water.

“In view of this, we have written to the two deputy commissioners as well as the state water resources department requesting that they should not at any cost approve the project. I have also met the minister concerned who assured me that the government will never agree to implementation of the project,” he added.

The CEM further assured that the executive committee will take up the matter very seriously to ensure interest of the people of the region is protected.