Save Mon Region Forum (SMRF) says no to Tawang-II hydroelectric project

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, July 24: The Save Mon Region Forum (SMRF) has written to the state government demanding immediate rollback of the NHPC’s 800 mw Tawang-II hydroelectric project (HEP), stating that the project would destroy the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

It reminded the government that on February 14 last year, a meeting was conducted which was attended by MLAs Jambey Tashi and Tsering Tashi, the Tawang deputy commissioner, the land-affected people, and representatives of the SMRF where it was resolved that the proposed HEP would be rolled back.

Later, the decision of the meeting, which had been held under the chairmanship of Thegtse Rinpoche, was submitted to the chief minister’s office.

The SMRF said though the decision of the meeting was made known to the government on many occasions, the state government is yet to act on it.

The organization, which is spearheading the movement against big hydropower projects in the Mon region, said the people of the affected villages – Khet, Kudung, Kungba, Sazo, Poyto, Dugumba and Sakiyur – have again raised objection against the hydropower project through a resolution adopted on 12 July, 2018.

“The villagers say their stand is to protect wildlife, forests and biodiversity, and to ensure that the adjoining catchment areas, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas are adequately protected,” it said.

The SMRF said “any decision taken by our village assembly to stop activities that will adversely affect the forests, biodiversity and wildlife is complied with.”