Protesting against the proposed 400-MW Shelly project, the Shelly Project Sangarsh Samiti (SPSS), Mudgram, Udaipur sub-division, boycotted Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal’s Lahaul-Spiti tour .
However, the BJP claimed that the people gave him a ‘rousing reception’ at Udaipur after he arrived there today evening. SPSS convener Sudershan Thakur said, Though the government claims it has given power to the gram sabha under the Panchayti Raj Act, but on the other hand it has invoked Section 17 (urgency clause) of the Land Acquisition Act, acquiring agriculture land of the tribals of Lahaul-Spiti.
The samiti said the proposed land for the project supported the livelihoods of more than 20 villages of Tindi and Udaipur panchayats. He added that the proposed project will submerge agricultural land, grazing areas, forest cover and cause immense damage to the rich alpine biodiversity, which is unique to this area.
Earlier in November last year the samiti has sent a memorandum to the Chief, but there was no response so far. Samiti alleged that CM has come here for the first time in four years.
