Tehri Dam affected people and activists have welcomed the step taken by the State Government to recognise Pathri parts II, III and IV as revenue villages renamed as Tehri Bhagirathi Nagar, Ghonti village and Chhaam, respectively.
Vimal Bhai of Matu Jansangathan said, “The oustees of Tehri dam were left without land rights for many years. Following the recent step of the State we are also hoping that in the same manner, Uttarakhand Government will soon declare the remaining villages like Pashulok and Parts of Pathri as revenue villages.
The process of giving land rights to displaced people will only complete after recognition of rehabilitation sites as revenue villages. On this occasion, the displaced people felt relief but at the same time, we also want to bring it to notice that these rights should have been given to them right during the displacement.
A whole generation has suffered in the absence of land rights. They have also been through the process when Haridwar District administration had abandoned them. Since 1978, the Tehri dam affected people are struggling for basic amenities like electricity, water, health services, educational institutions, banking, post offices and also the fencing to protect their crops from wild animals.
The issue of landslide across 40 villages situated on the banks of the Tehri dam reservoir is yet to be resolved effectively. Pending rehabilitation of oustees which was revealed in a new survey conducted in Tehri dam affected areas should be resolved without further delay.
The State should also ensure that the grievance redressal authority works in a fair and transparent manner,” he stressed.