Chenab valley is known for its power projects. Chenab valley has almost seven power projects and some are under construction. Chenab valley consisted of three districts which are Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban. The total population of Chenab valley as per 2011 census is 9.24 lakhs. Chenab valley has the maximum power projects in India but the people of whole Chenab valley is totally in darkness. 60% (Approximately) of the populations are unemployed. Companies like N H P C (National Hydropower Corporation), Shenhua Energy Company, CPP (Choudhary Power Project Pvt. Ltd.) which constructed these projects have their own Engineers and other Technical peoples. Many youths of Chenab valley have completed their Engineering degrees in various fields but most of them didn’t any kind of jobs in these projects. Chenab valley is the hub of Hydroelectric Projects, but the system of electricity is totally weak because the department is too careless.
Most of the people here in Chenab valley pay Rs 749, while they deserve free electricity. While doing research on Electricity in the Doda region, a local resident Raja Shakeel said, ”If Government doesn’t want to give free electricity, then at least they should provide the 24 hours electricity as we pay the rent after knowing the fact that electricity is generated from our areas.” Shakeel also said that the Government failed to give electricity to some villages in Doda district like Tanta. Tanta village is only 10 km far from the Choudhary Power Project but the village is still unelectrified.
In Conclusion, people who live in the hub of Hydro projects, don’t get the benefits which they deserve. However, people report too much loss due to these projects.
1. People lose their lands.
2. People pay the double bill.
3. People don’t get proper electricity
4. If anything happens in these projects half of the population will be destroyed.
But no one listens the voice of common masses
Managing Editor and Senior Photojournalist at The Chenab Times