Jharkhand tribals protest against Maithan power project

Maithan (Jharkhand), Jan 5 (ANI): About 5,000 tribal villagers agitated against the Maithan Power Limited here today.

According to the tribals, Tata Power purchased 1,200 acres land from 1,600 families for the project, a joint venture between Tata Power and Damodar Valley Corporation.

They maintained they were promised jobs for every family in lieu of the land they gave up, but no jobs have been provided so far.

"Till now, 90 percent of the work has been completed, but none of our demands have been met. And our main demand is of a job. They were about to give it earlier, but they said they would meet the SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer). But they have not decided on anything as yet. The plant will start in February, but we have not got anything. If our demands are not met, we will continue our strike," said Ramranjan Mishra, a local and land donor.

The project comprises two generating units, of which, the first unit of 525 MW was expected to be commissioned by October 2010.

It was meant to meet the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games' requirements, but could not start due to the agitation.

Such protests reflect a larger stand-off between industry in India and farmers unwilling to part with land in a country where two-thirds of the billion-plus population depend on agriculture. (ANI)