Ex-Rajya Sabha MP raises ecological concerns over proposed PSP project in Dima Hasao

OUR CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG: Former Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Prakanta Warisa, has strongly opposed the proposed 1250 MW PSP project in Dima Hasao, alleging that it threatens indigenous communities, forests, rivers, sacred groves, and the ecological balance of the hill district.

In a press release addressed to the media along with civil society groups, student bodies, environmental activists and local organisations, Warisa stated that villages such as Moti Hojai, Moti Lampu, and Riam Bathari could face displacement, environmental destruction, and loss of cultural heritage in the name of development.

He warned that the proposed project could lead to large-scale deforestation, hill cutting, river diversion, biodiversity loss, landslides and long-term environmental damage in the ecologically fragile district. He also expressed concern over the possible destruction of Dimasa sacred groves, locally known as Daikhos, which hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for indigenous communities.

Warisa questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the project and asked whether Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) had been obtained from the affected people. He demanded that all project-related documents, including MoUs, DPRs, and environmental studies, be made public immediately. He further called for an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, protection of sacred and cultural sites, and meaningful public hearings before any decision is taken.

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