Deity summons CM over hydel projects in HP

Shimla, Oct 16 (UNI) A deity in Kinnuar district of Himachal Pradesh has reportedly summoned Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to be present before it to help break the deadlock over the construction of a private hydel project there, official sources said.

Meshwar Devta said, he was ready for divine talks only with the chief minister over the construction of 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo hydel project, which has been allotted to Jai Prakash Industries.

The Devta's message was conveyed by a man who claimed to be the oracle of the deity to the Kinnaur district magistrate, Kinnaur district SP Arvind Sharda confirmed to UNI over the telephone.

The oracle is said to be the medium of communication between the deity and the villagers, and his or her verdict was considered binding on the community.

The sources said the oracle had refused to talk to local government officials, saying he would have talks only with the Chief Minister.

The message has reportedly been conveyed to Mr Singh's office here.

The villagers of the district are opposing the construction of the hydel project in the district, fearing that large scale blasting at the proposed project site would disturb the fragile mountains and dry up drinking water sources.

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