Opposition to private firms executing power projects

Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG, Oct 5: Social organizations of Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills have challenged the State Government’s decision to go ahead with its “unilateral” decision on the power deals without discussing the issue with them.

The government inked many power deals with private companies in 2007, including the Umgot power project in Jaintia Hills and the Kynshi power project in West Khasi Hills.

Much before the execution of the projects, two organizations placed a 30-day deadline before the State Government for denying them to air their views. The Joint Action Committee, Jaintia Hills (JAC-JH) today showed its strong protest against the government’s decision for allowing a private power developer to execute the projects. The body is in favour of the Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) for executing the hydel projects for the overall benefit of the people.
JAC-JH chairman DL Rymbai said today, “The MeSEB has proved its worth by executing the Myntdu-Leshka project in Jaintia Hills and the benefit received by the people is evident”. Rymbai cited the benefit of direct and indirect employment avenues that the local populace availed from the MeSEB. He said the JAC-JH is against the private hydel power developers because they have not shown interest in disclosing the developmental package for the people. Rymbai also said the JAC-JH has got the support of the local people in this regard.

As many as 13 organizations from West Khasi Hills under the banner of Ka Synjuk Ki Seng Bhalang resorted to the same recourse by alleging that the government is lethargic in responding to West Khasi Hills people’s plea for development. West Khasi Hills Students’ Union president M Marngar said, “We have never been against development, and our request before the government to listen to our voices has gone unheeded”. “Our clear stand is that the government should explain within 30 days before instructing the private company entrusted with the execution of the power project to do the needful,” said Marngar. THE SENTINEL