Haripur residents oppose hydropower project

Haripur (Himachal Pradesh), Apr 30 (ANI): Hundreds of residents are protesting against the construction of proposed 1.5 megawatt hydropower project in the Haripur region of Himachal Pradesh.

Over 2,000 people from 19 villages staged a mass protest before the members of special committee that has been constituted by the state government to review public grievances.

The committee, headed by the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Kullu, Amrit Lal Sharma, visited construction site and assessed the local population's grouse.

"When a project is implemented it causes some losses such as irrigation, drinking water and environmental. A committee has been instituted to find out whether the issues raised are true or not. The committee will also recommend whether the project will be implemented or not," said Sharma.

"We have shown the spot to the inspection committee from where water will be tapped for the hydro project. It will adversely affect 15,000 people spread over 19 villages in three village councils," said Lal Chand Katoch, a protestor.

The state government has suspended the construction work till April 30. (ANI)