Lahaul-Spiti villagers oppose power projects

Tribune News Service

Mandi, November 13

Villagers of Lahaul-Spiti are against the proposed power projects in the region. They fear that the construction in the cold desert will bring only disaster. They are planning to oppose the move.

A few power projects have been hanging fire for the past many years because of the strong opposition of people.

A seminar was held in Kullu by the Fight for Rights, an association, to draw the attention of tribals, environmentalists and social activists to unite them against the move. A large number of Lahaul-Spiti residents took part.

Rigzin Samphel Heyreppa, a social activist, said, “We do not want destruction in Lahaul-Spiti like Kinnaur district because of power projects. At least, the government should leave one district virgin. The area is eco-fragile. The construction of hydel projects will displace the people and it will have a drastic impact on environment.”

“The government has proposed 16 power projects and MoUs for five power projects have been signed during the investors’ meet in Dharamsala. It is expected that soon the government will try to execute these projects,” he said.

“We are screening a short film ‘Ho gae hai peer parvat see’ in villages of Lahaul-Spiti, depicting a massive nature calamity in Kinnaur district after setting up power projects. We want only tourism development in the region,” he added.