Villagers threaten to intensify stir near Malana power project

An indefinite sit-in by residents of Chowki, Baladhi villages and adjoining areas seeking compensation for the losses they suffered due to the bursting of the barrage of Malana Hydel Project-I on July 31 entered 16th day today.

Earlier, the villagers were protesting near the gate of the project powerhouse. After the project authorities registered a police complaint and nine protesters were summoned, the villagers shifted to a road leading to the project. They have pitched tents and are protesting round-the-clock.

The villagers said they would not back down in the fight for their rights. Bhagat Singh Thakur, president of Mahadev Yuvak Mandal, Chowki, alleged that it was evident that the dam did not burst due to natural causes, but the disaster occurred due to the release of excess water by Malana Project-II and bursting of barrage of Malana Project-I.

“Companies of both the projects should compensate villagers for the losses and ensure adequate safety measures for future,” he added.

Sher Singh Negi, a local, alleged that the hydropower company was not heeding to their demands. Even as the villagers were protesting peacefully, the company was trying to curb the protest by adopting various tactics, he added.

“A large portion of cultivable land, some houses and two temples were washed away due to flood, while some other houses suffered partial damage. The company has neither assessed the damage nor has paid compensation so far. The repeated requests to the administration have proved futile and now we are preparing to take the protest to the next level.”

Another resident identified as Tek Ram said the company had been asked to fulfil 10 demands of the villagers. The protest will continue till the demands are met, he added.

Khem Chand, another resident of the area, alleged that even as the dam was damaged, the company was continuing with power generation against the norms by diverting river water directly into the tunnel, compromising with the safety of people and aquatic life downstream.

“An action should be taken against the company for violating the rules and a high-level committee should be formed to probe the matter. A delegation of villagers has met the Kullu DC and ADM in this regard, but they have received mere assurances,” he added.