Protest against proposed mega hydropower projects in Lahaul

In a strong display of public dissent, Lahaul-Spiti Ekta Manch, in coordination with panchayat representatives of Udaipur subdivision in Lahaul and Spiti district, organised a big protest rally today against the proposed 18 mega hydropower projects in the ecologically sensitive Lahaul Valley. The rally commenced from the sacred Mrikula Temple premises and culminated in a public gathering at the SDM office courtyard, where a memorandum was submitted to the Governor and Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

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Led by Sudarshan Jaspa, convener of the rally and president of the Ekta Manch, the protesters demanded immediate cancellation of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Himachal and Telangana governments for the Seli and Mayar projects. Jaspa emphasised the need to uphold the special rights guaranteed to tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Guman Singh, coordinator of the Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, called upon residents to unite and reject these ‘destructive developments’, asserting that the government’s push for such large-scale projects is driven more by commission-based gains than public welfare.

Sachin Mirupa, Pradhan, Koksar panchayat, warned that these projects threaten the very existence of the Lahaul Valley and advocated for intensified resistance. Former state minister Dr Ramlal Markanda echoed this concern, vowing that the people of Lahaul will not allow any displacement and actively oppose any construction activity.

Ajay from the Save Lahaul-Spiti campaign appealed to all local organisations, political parties and citizens to set aside their differences and stand united in defence of Lahaul’s cultural and environmental integrity.