The Citizens Right Protection Forum (CRPF) has demanded that the Arunachal Pradesh government provide free electricity to people affected by the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) in Dollungmukh, Kamle district. This demand is in line with the agreement signed between the project developer, NHPC, and the state government.
According to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) dated 27 January 2010, project-affected families are entitled to free power supply from the 2,000 mw project. The state is also entitled to 12% free power as royalty from the project, along with an additional 1% free power for the local area development fund (LADF).
CRPF chairman Ajay Murtem stated that Arunachal Pradesh is entitled to 10.75% free power, approximately 215 mw, and Assam to 1.25% free power, approximately 25 mw, from the project. An additional 1% free power, approximately 20 mw, is earmarked for local area development in the project-affected areas.
Despite the commissioning of substations for power evacuation from the project site several years ago, many residents of the area are yet to receive reliable electricity. The current electricity requirement of the entire Dollungmukh area is estimated to be only about 1 mw, a small fraction of the free power entitlement available under the project.
Murtem urged the chief minister to ensure that the project-affected families receive free electricity, which would fulfil the commitment made under the project agreement and government policy. This would also ensure tangible benefits for the local communities who have made significant sacrifices.
The forum also sought the chief minister’s intervention to convene a joint meeting of the state government, NHPC, and local public representatives to work out an early implementation plan. It expressed hope that the chief minister’s intervention would ensure that the legitimate rights and benefits of the people of Dollungmukh are protected and implemented without further delay.
