ITANAGAR, 28 Jul: The Citizens Right Protection Forum (CRPF) has demanded immediate provision of free electricity to the NHPC’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project [SLHEP]-affected people of Dollungmuk in Kamle district in line with the agreement signed by the project developer and the state government.
In a representation to the chief minister, CRPF chairman Ajay Murtem stated that, as per the MoU dated 27 January, 2010 signed between the two parties, and the Government of India’s hydropower policy, the project-affected families are entitled to free power supply from the 2,000 mw project.
As per the MoU, the state is entitled to 12% free power as royalty from the project, along with an additional 1% free power earmarked for the local area development fund (LADF), Murtem said.
Citing the NHPC’s official disclosure, he further stated in the representation that Arunachal Pradesh is entitled to 10.75% free power – approximately 215 mw – and Assam to 1.25% free power -approximately 25 mw – from the project.
“An additional 1% free power – approximately 20 mw – is earmarked for local area development in the project-affected areas,” the representation stated.
Murtem, also a public leader of Kamle district, said that, despite the commissioning of the 132/33 kv and 33/11 kv substations at Kalaptuker by the PowerGrid for power evacuation from the project site several years ago, many residents of the area are yet to receive the benefit of reliable electricity.
The current electricity requirement of the entire Dollungmukh area is estimated to be only about 1 mw, a small fraction of the free power entitlement available under the project, he said.
Murtem said that providing free electricity to the project-affected families would not only fulfil the commitment made under the project agreement and government policy but would also ensure tangible benefits for the local communities who have made significant sacrifices.
“Besides, it would meet the power demand for industrial growth, agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, fisheries and tea estate development in the Dollungmukh area,” Murtem said.
He urged the CM to ensure judiciously utilisation of the LADF for welfare and infrastructure development of the project-affected area.
Additionally, the forum urged the CM to convene a joint meeting of the state government, the NHPC and local public representatives to work out an early implementation plan. It also sought necessary directions for “immediate energisation and extension of power supply to all remaining habitations under the Dollungmukh project-affected areas.”
The forum expressed hope that the CM’s intervention would ensure that the legitimate rights and benefits of the people of Dollungmukh are protected and implemented without further delay.
