BJP MP from Hamirpur parliamentary and national president of Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha Anurag Thakur has urged the Centre to ensure to protect the interests of people affected by an upcoming hydro power project in Himachal Pradesh.

Anurag Thakur met Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to raise the plight of people affected by the 800 MW Kol Dam project being executed by the National Thermal Power Corporation in Bilaspur district of the hill state.

Thakur urged the Minister to consider the demands of the ousted people sympathicaly and take necessary action to provide immediate relief to them. He said while dams are of great importance for agriculture and energy needs, they cannot be built on the “misery” of those who have been ousted from their homes.

The demands of the people affected by the Kol Dam project include a permanent job for a member of each family or a compensation of Rs 25 lakh, free supply of electricity from the power project, 30 per cent jobs in upcoming hydro-engineering colleges and free treatment at the NTPC dispensary.