Dikhu Hydro Project faces uncertainty over land issue

KOHIMA — The Dikhu Hydro Project in Nagaland has been facing hurdles related to land issues, hindering its progress despite efforts over the past two decades, even as the state continues to face acute power shortage.

This was disclosed by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Power, KG Kenye, during the ongoing budget session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in his reply to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi.

Kenye said that land survey measurements have been completed in Mon and Mokokchung districts. Out of 15 villages spread across Mon, Longleng, and Mokokchung districts, which fall under the project area, 13 villages have consented for development of the project, but objections from Nyang and Kangching villages (Longleng) in connection to their lands measuring 189.68 (9.42%) and 197.11 (9.79%) hectares respectively, have caused delays.

Informing that the department had undertaken the hydro-electric project with permission from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Kenye said the project has already been extended four times after it started in 2014.

The first extension period was granted for 2014-15 to 2015-2016, followed by another extension from 2017 to 2019-2020 and again in 2021-2022 up to 2023.

For the last extension, which will expire in May 2025, the minister maintained that he personally ‘begged’ the CEA chairman for the techno economic clearance (TEC) to be extended for one last time, after explaining the difficulties faced by the state on the ground.

If the project does not take off within this time, there is little hope for any extension as enough time, almost 20 years now, has been given, he underscored.

Kenye said that negotiations with the landowners of the two villages are in the process and the chief minister had also called for a meeting with legislators and other functionaries from the community last year.

Citing the benefits of Doyang Hydro-electric project, he said that the Dikhu project would solve the state’s crisis in power sector, as the funds spent on power purchases can be used for development works.

Furthermore, he stated that if the project does not take off this time, the state will need to shift its focus to other potential areas, and that the department is planning to survey the upper side of the Dikhu river.

Article 371 (A) shouldn’t obstruct development

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that land issue has been the biggest hurdle for development in the state and called on the people to make use of Article 371 (A) for protecting the people and not for obstructing infrastructure development.

In the event of objections from villages and areas, the apex bodies, tribal hobos or leaders, should intervene to facilitate development, he added.

Acknowledging that the discussion for the Dikhu project has been ongoing for more than two decades, the CM opined that surveys for the proposed project should be taken up immediately if the villagers or landowners in upstream areas are willing to give land.

The government can’t wait forever for the project, he said while stressing the need for immediate action. He also asked the department to start work in the next financial year while assuring fund allocation.