Renuka Dam Protest: Members of the Renuka Dam Jan Sangharsh Samiti led the protest, raising slogans against the current management. The committee claims that the number of families identified for resettlement is being arbitrarily reduced. In one specific case regarding the diversion tunnel area, an initial list of nine families was reportedly cut down to six, and eventually to only two.
Residents from Kheri, Siun, Mohtu, and Rajana joined the stir, expressing fear over their future. They alleged that dam authorities are forcing them to sign affidavits stating they are vacating the land voluntarily. The oustees believe these documents will be used to strip them of their legal rights to compensation and resettlement benefits.
Unfit Resettlement Sites and Exclusions
The Sangharsh Samiti has officially rejected the land identified for their relocation, labeling the sites unfit for human habitation. Concerns were also raised for seven Nepalese families who have cultivated local land for decades but now face an uncertain status regarding their eligibility for aid.
HP Power Corporation Limited is currently executing the project, with Patel Engineering Limited handling the first package. This phase involves building three diversion tunnels and six kilometers of access roads in the Dadahu area over the next 30 months. While work progresses, the Samiti warns that the rehabilitation of 1,408 directly displaced families remains stalled.
Government Response Amid Rising Tensions
General Manager Arun Kapoor stated that the management is sensitive to these concerns and is currently reviewing the cases of excluded families. During a recent ceremony, official Vinay Kumar assured the public that displaced individuals would receive priority in employment opportunities generated by the project.
The Renuka dam is a Rs 6,947 crore venture designed to solve water shortages in the National Capital Region. Although the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, the 7,000 people impacted across 41 villages claim that decades of discussions have yet to result in a fair resolution. The Samiti has threatened to intensify the agitation if their demands for suitable land and transparent lists are not met immediately.
