RENUKA JI: The “Siyu” village located in Sangrah block is likely to lose its existence, if the move of proposed construction of 40 MW Renuka dam gets materialized. The HP Power Corporation limited (HPCCL) is all set to disburse 70 crore for the complete land acquisition of the village. Notably, the village has 1200 bighas land which would be submerged completely thus it would lose existence. On the part of the villagers it is unfortunate that the existence of the village would be omitted from the revenue map as whole land of the village in falling under the dam site. It is the only village in proposed Renuka dam, which would lose its existence. Though, the villagers proposed to displaced from the village in principally are willing for the construction but did not satisfied with the compensation being given to them. In two phase the HPPCL had disbursed 48 crore for the land acquisition in other villages. Sources said that the process of disbursement in third phase may commence in February, but the formalities have almost finished. During the recent visit of managing director of HPPCCL the dam affected people had requested him not to disclose the names of the compensation beneficiaries. The villagers of “Siyu” village who are all set displace said that they should be granted additional land compensation as they remained deprived with government schemes since past four years.
Around 100 families of the village would be displaced completely, said convener Yogindera Kapila of the Renuka dam Sangarsh Samiti and also resident of “Siyu” village. Though the forest clearance for the construction of the Renuka dam is still awaited but after the disbursement of the compensation the villagers would lose their ownership rights from their inherited properties. About 21 Km’s long artificial lake is also proposed in Renuka dam, the “Siyu” village would submerge in proposed lake if the construction of the dam materialize.
On the other hand DGM, P.K. Kathuria said that the process of the disbursement was in progress and added that about 70 crore would be disbursed in third phase.
The ambitious Rs 3,600-crore Renuka Dam project in Sirmaur district, which aims at quenching the thirst of Delhi, had crossed a major hurdle with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) giving a go-ahead to HPPCL to award compensation to those whose land has been acquired for it in July last year. The Renuka Dam project, on completion, envisaged supply of 275 million gallons of water per day to Delhi and also generates 40 MW of electricity for Himachal.