DIMAPUR, JANUARY 28 (MExN): The Downstream Affected People’s Organization, DHEP (DAPO) held its 2nd General Assembly at Menshangpen Village on January 23, and agreed on several resolutions.
DAPO consists of 10 villages (Menshangpen to Pyotchu) on the right bank below the Doyang river dam. The assembly the adopted the following resolutions;
A press note from the DAPO informed that the assembly decided and endorsed the Executive Council of the organization to approach the appropriate authority namely, the Chairman and Chief Managing Director (CMD) NEEPCO, Shillong for redressal of its grievances. It further decided that if the authorities at NEEPCO fail to address or heed to the demands of the people of the 10 villages it shall be restrained to take legal recourse by way of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The assembly also decided to ban any proposed dam in the NAPA or Pyotchu area which falls within its jurisdiction either by a private company or by a government agency till further notice.
It resolved to ban any reservoir dam project/projects within its areas/jurisdiction. “Any dam/project which does not include constructing of reservoirs may be allowed. Provided, the organization be consulted on all such matters,” it stated.
The assembly agreed that if any of the concerned villages had given No Objection Certificate/s (NOCs) to any company/agency for construction of reservoir dams within its jurisdiction it shall be considered as withdrawn or deemed null and void.
Further it was resolved that, the General Assembly shall be held and hosted by the respective 10 member villages on rotational basis.
The DAPO claimed in its press note that it is the “sole and legitimate organization representing the 10 villages on all matters concerning the Doyang river dam downstream (right bank).” “Therefore, it is made known to all that any proposal/agreement for construction of reservoir dams in the DAPO areas by individuals or groups with any company/agency whether government or private without prior consent and knowledge of the organization shall be doing so at their own risk,” it cautioned.
