Resentment against eloping Satluj in Luhari Project

Sameer Kashyap,Mandi
Resentment is brewing amongst the peoples of affected area of District Mandi against the confining of Satluj River in tunnels of Luhari Hydro Electric Project ( LHEP ).
Affected peoples of LHEP are agitating against the public hearing decided to be held by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on 9th Aug, 2011.
After the completion of Project Sajluj river will be eloped in about 40 Kms area. The river will flow under the tunnels to be constructed through 89 villages of about one dozen Gram Panchayats in District Mandi.
Earlier, the Public Hearing at Parlog ( Distt. Mandi) on 07.05.2011 was adjourned after the agitation by the local people. Peoples argued that without explaining environmental disadvantages to the affected area, effective public hearing could not be held.
Now, after the announcement of next date of public hearing local peoples have represented District Administration with a memorandum to Additional District Magistrate, Mandi, D.K Rattan.
The delegation of public representatives and Satluj Bachao Sangharsh Smiti including Shyam Singh Chauhan, Nek Ram Sharma, Kaul Ram Verma, Hem Raj Verma, Harnarayan Thakur, Capt. U.D. Chauhan, Rup Lal Sharma, Chander Mani, Santosh Thakur, Kaushlya Verma etc. , presented the memorandum to the ADM on Saturday.
“ Before public hearing environmental effects and environmental Management Planning should be explained, publicized and made aware by distributing its printed copies in the effected villages. Even social impact reports have also not shown to the villagers. Satluj River has already eloped from Kadchham to Luhari in three Hydro Projects. Almost whole of the river is flowing through the tunnels and now with this development river will be confined in the tunnels again from Rampur, Tatapani upto Kaul Dam in the stretch of about 40 Kms and that will be a big environmental loss to the District. It will adversely harm agriculture, horticulture, water sources, houses and flora and fauna of the area,” delegation said.
ADM, Mandi, D.K. Rattan have confirmed about the memorandum of representation and said that necessary action will be taken on the demands.