Meghalaya dam project ‘scrapped’ after protests
- Meghalaya government has scrapped an agreement with private power developers to execute the proposed Umngot hydroelectric project on river Umngot.
- Popularly known as Dawki river, the Umngot river in Meghalaya is undisputedly the cleanest river in Asia with its crystal clear water.
- It originates from the Eastern Shillong Peak, which is located 1,800 m above sea level.
About Project
- The river is in the village of Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, close to India’s border with Bangladesh and is touted as Asia’s Cleanest Village.
- Alongside cleanliness, the village has also achieved a rare feat — a 100% literacy rate.
- Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), which is struggling to stay afloat because of unrecovered dues of ₹600 crore, will be executing the project.
- The site of the proposed 210 MW Umngot Hydroelectric Project was upstream in the adjoining West Jaintia Hills district.
- Many people downstream were dependent on the tourism that the river Umngot generates.
- The dam would have crippled tourism in Shnongpdeng, Dawki and adjoining areas according to villagers.