The Himachal Pradesh Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana Government on March 29 for the construction of two hydropower projects — Miyar (120 MW) and Seli (400 MW). This decision has raised significant concerns as it is seen as a disregard for the region’s sensitive climate, ecology and tribal rights.
The Lahaul and Spiti Ekta Manch, under which all local organisations of the region have united, has issued a strong warning against this agreement. They have announced plans for a major public movement to protest the government’s decision.
Rigzin Samphel Hayerpa, convener of the Ekta Manch, and Sudarshan Jaspa, president of the manch, expressed strong opposition stating that the Himachal Government is bent on erasing the existence of Lahaul-Spiti district, a move that would not be tolerated. They further emphasised that the local people are now prepared to fight a decisive battle to protect their rights and interests.
Representatives from various local organisations, including Save Lahaul Spiti’s BS Rana, Prem Chand Katoch, Vikram Katoch, Prem Lal Yotrpa, district council member Kunga Bodh, Koksar panchayat head Sachin Mirupa, Chanderbhaga Sangharsh Samiti’s Ram Gaud, Spiti Civil Society’s Sonam Targe, Tanzin Takpa, Jan Chetna Samiti’s Nawang Tamba, Ranjit Kroffa, Gramin Yuva Sangathan and Seli Sangharsh Samiti’s Sudarshan Thakur and Virender Thakur, Jispa Bandh Sangharsh Samiti’s Padma Thille and Tanzin Katoch and Tandi Sangharsh Samiti’s Vinod Kumar Larje and Arun Rana, have collectively demanded the immediate cancellation of the MoU. They warned that if the government does not address the issue seriously, a massive public movement would be launched.
The region’s stakeholders are asserting that the proposed hydropower projects would severely affect the delicate environmental balance, disrupt the local communities and pose a serious threat to the rights of the indigenous population. The local groups are urging the state government to reconsider this decision before it leads to irreparable consequences.
