Vikramaditya Singh Prioritizes Rehabilitation for Sunni Dam Project-Affected Families

Shimla, 02 July 2024: Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized the need to prioritize the rehabilitation of families affected by the Sunni Dam Hydroelectric Project to ensure the protection of local interests. He made this statement while chairing a meeting on the project’s relief and rehabilitation plan at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Savings Bhawan Auditorium.

Singh announced the formation of a committee headed by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Shimla Rural and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Kumarsain to address the issues faced by affected families. This committee will meet monthly and include local panchayat representatives.

During the meeting, Singh reviewed the development works related to the rehabilitation plan with SJVNL officials and stressed that the benefits of these plans should reach the people. He also addressed the demands of families who initially opted for employment under the project but now seek a lump sum grant. He directed officials to provide these families another opportunity to choose their preferred option and increase the lump sum amount from ₹5 lakhs.

Singh highlighted the need to relocate families from Mauhal Khaira in Chewari Panchayat closer to their current location, directing SJVNL officials to select a nearby resettlement site. He also noted that the foundation provisions for houses at the rehabilitation site—25 meters for rural areas and 50 meters for urban areas—are insufficient for rural construction and instructed officials to revise these specifications.

He stressed the importance of ensuring jobs for local families affected by the dam project and prioritizing local vehicles and machinery for hire. Addressing the issues of the local people is a priority, and officials are expected to work towards this goal diligently.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, Project Head Rajeev Agarwal, Sub-Divisional Officer Shimla Rural Kavita Thakur, Sub-Divisional Officer Kumarsain Krishna Kumar Sharma, Chief Advisor M.P. Sood, Land Acquisition Officer Ashwani Sood, and heads of affected panchayats, among other officials.