KISHTWAR, Oct 5: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Chenab Valley Region spokesperson Ajeet Bhagat has criticised the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), alleging that the corporation has failed to honour commitments made under the MoU related to the 390 MW Dul Hasti Power Project.
Bhagat said the agreement between NHPC and the government contained several commitments for the benefit of the local population, including power supply, roads and connectivity, drainage facilities, healthcare, drinking water, bus facilities for school-going children and employment opportunities for deserving unemployed youth and project-affected landowners.
He further claimed that the agreement provided for free electricity within five kilometres of the project area. However, Bhagat alleged that several of these commitments have not been implemented despite the Dul Hasti project generating substantial revenue.
The National Conference leader alleged that NHPC has failed to provide adequate educational and medical assistance to people affected by the project. He said that land-affected families and deserving children had not received the benefits they were promised.
Bhagat also raised the issue of the drainage system in Kishtwar town, alleging that NHPC has failed to award the work despite its stated commitment towards construction of drainage infrastructure in the area.
He questioned the lack of spending on local development despite the revenue generated by the Dul Hasti Power Station. Bhagat urged NHPC and the concerned authorities to review the implementation of the MoU and ensure that all commitments made to the project-affected people and residents of Kishtwar are fulfilled.
He maintained that major power projects should bring tangible developmental benefits to the communities affected by them and called for greater accountability in implementing the commitments associated with the Dul Hasti project.