After a four-month-long dharna against the upcoming the Hul (4.5 MW) hydro-power project,residents of eight panchayats in Chamba districts Saal Valley have decided to march towards Chamba town on Friday in order to draw the attention of the authorities about their opposition to the project,which they claim is a threat to their livelihood,environment and natural sources. It is strange that the state government has adopted an indifferent attitude towards farmers issues. They are protesting against the private companys attempt to forcibly enter the village with help of the police and attack locals. Tomorrow,the villagers,under the banner of Saal Ghaati Bachao Sangharsh Morcha,will stage a protest in Chamba town, said Rattan Chand,an environmentalist,who has organised the farmers in the area. The struggle against the project started in 2003 when the state government declined the villagers plea to abandon the project,as it could create ecological problems and play havoc with water sources both for irrigation and drinking purposes. The Saal Ghaati Bachao Sangharsh Morcha had submitted detailed memorandums to the government and three sitting MLAs from Chamba had also raised this issue in the state Assembly. On February 14,2010,the project promoters,contractors and hired persons attacked members of the Saal Ghati Sangarsh Morcha in Chungah village while they were conducting a meeting. Five members were injured.
