Kullu residents protest against mini hydropower project

KULLU - Residents of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district are protesting against the construction of a mini hydel power project, saying it would hit the region’s famous trout fish farming.

Angry villagers said that the construction of the 1.5 Megawatt project would affect their livelihood.

“We are not against development. Development should take place, but development should be like that no one is affected by the project, whether it is irrigation plan, drinking water project or anything else. They should be set up in such places that not even a single person is affected by it,” said Lal Chand.

“Hydropower plants is a good option but hydropower projects increasing everywhere is not a good option, especially in the untouched areas and areas which require more irrigation,” said Dharambir Dhami.

The locals also say that the hydropower company has not yet paid them the assured compensation.

As many as 294 hydropower projects in the public and private sectors are coming up in Himachal Pradesh to generate 586 MW of electricity.

Most of the projects are located in Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kangra districts. Kullu alone has 83 projects.

Himachal Pradesh has abundant water resources, with five major rivers flowing from the western Himalayas. It has a potential of about 23,000 MW power, of which about 6,480 MW has been harnessed. (ANI)