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People from 12 villages in Meghalaya are opposing 210 MW hydroelectric project on Umngot, considered India’s clearest river.

Issue

• The villagers especially landowners from villages in East Khasi Hills district opposed the project on the ground that their cultivable land would submerge due to the proposed hydropower project.
• However, in West Jaiñtia Hills district, the protesters were from the downstream areas, like Darang, Shnong Pdeng and Dawki.
• The villagers said the villages downstream have potential in terms of tourism, but once the dam is built at Umngot river, the beautiful tourist spots would no longer attract the visitors as water in the river would go dry especially in the winter seasons.

Proposed Dam

• The proposed 210 MW Umngot Hydro Electric Project would be built over Umngot river between East Khasi Hills district and West Jaiñtia Hills district.
• If the dam is built, it would connect Mawkynrew area with Amlarem area by road.

Umngot river

• Umngot river of Meghalaya enjoys the status of the cleanest river in the country. The water is so clear that the boats are seen floating on the glass.
• The river is the natural boundary between Ri Pnar (of Jaintia Hills) with Hima Khyrim (of Khasi Hills) over which hangs a single span suspension bridge.
• It is the gateway to Bangladesh.

Source: The Hindu