A forum of the Opposition parties and public organisations – Jan Hastakshep- has decided to undertake planned opposition to what it has termed as “loot and corruption” by the State and Central Governments in the execution of the Pancheshwar dam project in Uttarakhand. After a recent protest demonstration held in Vikasnagar on the issue, the forum is planning to organise a large meet against the Pancheshwar dam during February next year in Dehradun.
A Jan Hastakshep statement was issued to the media on Sunday with the names of former Pradesh Congress Committee president Kishore Upadhyay, Samar Bhandari of Communist Party of India, Bachi Ram Kansawal of CPI (Marxist), DS Sachan of Samajwadi Party, Trepan Singh Chauhan of Chetna Andolan and Kavita Krishnapalli of Jan Chetna Manch.
According to the statement, the Forest Rights Act is being blatantly violated in procedures undertaken for implementation of the Pancheshwar dam project. The proper implementation of this Act will ensure the people access rights to the resources, which will facilitate development and stall migration from the mountains. Usurping the resources from the public for big contractors and companies will not bring about the desired development in Uttarakhand, stated the Jan Hastakshep statement.