Those affected by the 444 mega watt Vishnugad-Peepalkoti hydro electric project in Chamoli district have appealed to the global community to oppose World Bank funding for construction of big dams in various countries.
Vimal Bhai of Matu Jan Sangathan informed that people from more than 20 affected villages have unitedly opposed big dams while calling for preservation of the culture and ecology of Uttarakhand. Bharat Singh of Salood village said that the public did not need energy at the cost of water, forest, river and land. Jagdeesh Bhandari from Pokhni village alleged that the government and THDC had cheated the villagers while Baal Singh from the same village complained of the authorities keeping the public in the dark regarding potential for disaster in the future. Rakesh Bhandari from Hyun village questioned how the culture would survive when the Ganga river itself is in danger. Durgapur village resident Ram lal complained that 23 false cases had been filed against the locals who will continue their struggle.
Vimal Bhai said that big dams had mainly caused displacement and ecological destruction which is being perpetuated even after more than five thousand dams in the country. “There are more than 80 cases filed in court against people due to the destructive alliance between THDC and World Bank. Work on this dam is being carried out using intimidation and undemocratic actions,” he said.