It is no news that the North-eastern states do not find much representation in the mainstream Indian news or narratives. Here’s an account of an agitation against dam construction in Meghalaya which has only been covered by a very few local media houses.
The news which has not yet come to the fore is that in Meghalaya, around twelve villages since the past few weeks have been protesting against the proposed 210 MW hydroelectric project on what is considered the cleanest river in the country, the Umngot river.
The dam has been proposed to be built over the adjoining West Jaintia Hills. One of the most popular tourist destinations of the state has a huge number of locals depending on it for livelihood. It is feared that along with a negative impact of tourism, the construction will cause the villagers to lose around three hundred hectares of land approximately due to submergence.
The project concerns lives of the people living in the downstream areas as well for there are chances that the availability of water in the areas of Darang, Shnong Pdeng, and Dawki might be disrupted. Among the major concerns is the potential loss of tourist attractions.
They are worried that if the dam is built over the river, present tourist spots won’t be as attractive as they were before and will not bring in visitors which will affect their livelihood.
The protestors disrupted a few public hearings regarding the project organized by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) which makes it clear what locals desire.
According to a report by the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), “the project is proposed to be implemented with a dual objective of narrowing the gap between demand and supply of power as well as the adverse ratio of hydro and fossil fuel power generation.”
The report also seems to contain vague mentions of some ‘indirect benefits for the people, when it says “people around the project area are expected to reap many indirect benefits that would uplift their socio-economic conditions including road communication, health and school facilities.” It includes a mention of the proposed resettlement and rehabilitation plan that aims to provide the people along with the mention of some monetary compensation.
Such commercial projects in the name of development have often been the reason behind the displacement of the indigenous Adivasi communities. But according to a report published in The Shillong Times, the government seems to be adamant in going ahead with the project citing self-sufficiency of power as the major reason and thus ignoring the concerns of the locals.