Public hearing fails as locals protest the Umngot Hydroelectric Project

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 9, 2021

Massive protest at a public hearing conducted by Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) on the proposed 210 MW Umngot Hydroelectric Project by Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) was interrupted and called off in Moosakhia village, West Jaintia Hills, on Friday.

Protestors carrying placards and flags gathered in large numbers from Darrang, Shnongpdeng, Dawki, and other villages downstream of the Umngot River, preventing officers from attending the public hearing.

Many of the villagers expressed that not only will this cause environmental degradation, but it will also have an impact on a number of villages downstream that rely on this mighty river for a living. This proposed project would have a significant impact on the communities of Darrang, Amkoi, Shnongpdeng, and Dawki, which rely on tourism for a living.

President of Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, Alan West Kharkongor said that it is understandable for the government to create employment for the department but it is not acceptable if it means to take away the livelihood of the villagers living alongside the Umngot river.

He also stated that the project will have an impact on the economic situation of the people who rely on tourism for a living in this area, as well as the eco-system of the surrounding area and that the government, in promotion of green sustainability, will be going against that with the project.

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The locals were supported by Khasi Student Union (KSU), Jaintia Student (JSU), Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF),  Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKGP), Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) and others.