Villagers assert a dam project to provide drinking water to Udaipur city would displace about 12,000 people, and they will oppose it firmly.
TRIBALS from 23 villages in Udaipur district, citing the potential displacement of 12,000 people, are gearing up for protracted battle with the government to scrap the proposed Manasi Wakal dam, intended to supply drinking water to Udaipur.
The villagers allege the project, in fact, was conceived to meet the massive water requirements of the Hindustan Zinc Ltd plant in the city. At a meeting held recently under the banner of the Chandreshwar Kisan Sangharsha Samiti (CKSS), the villagers vowed they would not allow any dam construction activity. The irate villagers recently forced the contractors, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, to remove their construction machinery from the dam site.
Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Delhi environmentalist Arun Kumar challenges the government's contention that the project will flood only 384. According to Kumar's survey, 5,326 ha, including 65 ha in the Falasia-Ogna forest, will be submerged. Kumar also warns that the dam is to be located in the Aravalli range, one of the country's 11 earthquake-prone areas.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.