Have you heard about Umngot river in state Meghalaya? It's so clear that boat on water looks like boat on mirror but since past couple of weeks, protests have erupted in the state. Umngot river also known as Dawki river is in danger.
People from 12 villages of meghalaya are protesting against the construction of dam on Umngot river as it has complete possibility of disrupting their livelihoods. Landowners are concerned that because of the dam construction their land would be submerged and the project would lead to loss of cultivable land. People of many villages in the state majorly depends on the river for their livelihood and basic needs.
This river is a major tourist attraction for people around the globe and construction of dam for a hydroelectric project can spoil it's tourism ability. Considering the environmental crisis that we are already facing, this isn't a matter to ignore.
Disrupting the flow of river can be catastrophic. Hydropower dams are known to flood the area and forces people to relocate, leaves the rivers dry, it also threats the fresh water bodies and fisheries hence a big risk for ecosystem.
Construction of dams on active river is never healthy, it's an invitation to disasters. Development is important but what if so many people are going to be adversely affected by that, nature is going to be badly affected by that. Profit can't be the only reason to go on with a project.
This project is suppose to improve the socioeconomic condition of the villages and provide electricity in the area but at the cost of people's land and basic lifestyle that they enjoy and would definitely have hard time giving up.
There isn't any clear response from the authorities as to how the people would be compensated for their losses.
Neither is there and clear indication on the uses of this project other than the electricity. This is a giant deal to discuss in the entire country.
Bigger matter of concern is that no mainstream media is covering this important protest and the voice for justice isn't heard enough. Although many social media platforms are trying their ways to amplify the voice of the villagers but the major news channels and media platforms have ignored this issue.
North east India is a part of India but most of the time it's met with discrimination, whether it's about the important concerning issues faced by the people there or the people themselves.
It's the time we raise our voice for them, for nature, for biodiversity and not let the authority impose their wildness on the innocents.
