Lahaul-Spiti locals to protest against hydel projects on May 23
The residents of Lahaul-Spiti have planned a mass protest in Udaipur on May 23 against proposed hydroelectric projects in the district. The decision was made at a recently held meeting of panchayat representatives from Udaipur sub-division and members of
(LSEM), an environmental protection body from the district.
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According to LSEM president Sudarshan Jaspa, the protest is part of a movement against nearly 18 large hydroelectric projects proposed in the Chenab basin of Lahaul valley. "The protest rally will be organised from Mrikula Mata temple in Udaipur and will be led by local panchayat representatives. A public appeal has been made to all mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, community organisations, and intellectuals across Lahaul-Spiti to participate in large numbers and raise their voices for the valley's future," said Jaspa.
Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, another environment-focussed NGO, has extended support to the protest. Jaspa said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Himachal Pradesh govt and the Telangana govt for implementing the Mayar (120 MW) and Seli (400 MW) power projects. "The state govt is ignoring the sensitive geographical conditions, climate, and tribal rights of the region. The construction of such projects would not only lead to the destruction of fertile land, biodiversity and endangered species, but would also result in the forcible displacement of local residents already living in harsh conditions," said Jaspa.
He said in 2009, the Shukla committee, appointed by the Himachal Pradesh high court, recommended a ban on hydro projects in Himalayan regions above 7,000 feet due to their destructive environmental impact. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also termed such projects inappropriate for these fragile zones. Over a dozen projects have been proposed in Lahaul-Spiti, including Jispa (300 MW), Stegri (98 MW), Chhatdu (120 MW), Mayar (120 MW), Tandi (104 MW), Rashel (130 MW), Seli (400 MW), Shangling (44 MW), Teling (94 MW), Bardang (126 MW), Tingret (81 MW), Gondhla (144 MW), Koksar (90 MW), Raholi-Dugli (420 MW), Purthi (300 MW), Sach Khas (260 MW), and Dugar (380 MW).
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