Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), Jan 25, (ANI): Many villagers of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand have protested against the setting up of a mega hydroelectric power project in their region on Sunday.
These villagers have been skeptical about hydroelectric power projects built across River Mandakini.
Considering this region being prone to earthquakes, the residents of Bhiri, Kund, Parkandi and several other villages are contending that the underground rigged tunnels can have adverse effects.
Rudraprayag, the smallest District in Uttarakhand, falls under the fifth degree of seismic zone.
Villagers have forced work on the project to come to a standstill.
"This area comes under fifth degree of seismic zone and is vulnerable to catastrophes. In the year of 1998-1999 lots of calamities happened in this area. We don't want to face any further problems. That's why we have requested the Government and administration to look into this matter," said Mayaram Semwal, an aggrieved resident of Parkandi village.
It may be recalled that Uttarakhand Government had harnessed the vast resources of rivers and other streams by constructing several small dams and mini-hydel projects.
However, the project across River Mandakini has not only invited the wrath of locals but environmentalists as well. And the Government on its part is keen to go ahead with this project.
"These villagers are protesting against the construction of our newydroelectric project, that's why construction work has also been delayed," opined Dalip Javlekar, District Magistrate, Rudraprayag.
Amidst these developments, the Government is of the view that mini hydropower projects are appropriate and profitable for the region whereas the local residents are opposing this by citing the consequential seismic factors. (ANI)
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