As with various infrastructural projects in Nagaland, the ambitious 186 MW Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (DHEP) spread over Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon districts in Nagaland has encountered obstacles in some areas as some of the villages have red flagged the project despite geological evidence that fear of submergence of village(s) was unfounded.
The project in particular- the Dikhu Hydro Electric Project (DHEP)- is among 17 hydro projects approved by the government of India to generate capacity of over 5,144 MW by 2030.
The DHEP is a joint venture of the Department of Power and M/s Manu Energy Systems Pvt Ltd, with equity shares of 24% and 76%, respectively. The DHEP was initially scheduled for commissioning by 2028-29 but it could turn into a mirage if the affected villages continue to object to it despite scientifically based clarifications to assuage the unfounded fears of the villages. The villages continue to hold fast with their insistence that the project will submerge their villages.
Despite the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) granting concurrence to DHEP, the project has made no progress due to the “unwillingness” of some villages. Though the CEA has agreed to revalidate/renew the concurrence for the third consecutive time until March 31, 2025. However, there are concerns that further extensions may not be granted if the project fails to move forward by that deadline.
As villages are owners of traditional lands and protected under Article 371A, implementing agencies are helpless to pursue the project unless the state government steps in.
A total of 15 villages under Mon, Longleng and Mokokchung districts fall under the consolidated chart of projected areas. They include– Wanching, Chingphoi, Chinglong, Aopao, and Chingtang in Mon district; Tamlu, Nyang, Yongya, Tangha, Kamahu [Yongshei], Yachem, and Kanching in Longleng district; and Merangkong, Changtongya Old, and Yaongyimsen in Mokokchung district.
According to an internal communication, it was learnt that the Department of Power was “exploring ways and means with the help of the State government to negotiate with the 2 unwilling villages and is hopeful to come out with an amicable understanding and land clearances by March 2024.”
Officials have reassured that the project would not adversely impact the villages, as only a small portion of the land would be covered. Instead, they emphasized the positive aspects, stating that the DHEP would bring in major developmental activities, create employment opportunities, and contribute to socio-economic development.
Above all, officials said DHEP would, in a major way, address Nagaland’s power crisis.
The project is seen as crucial for the state, which is grappling with a severe power shortage, the officials reiterated.
In its “introductory booklet”, the department maintained that beyond power generation, the project is expected to boost tourism, infrastructure development, and the overall standard of living.
The department has presented a detailed plan highlighting how the project will benefit the local community in various socio-economic aspects during and after completion.
The department has also proposed allocating 1% of the total revenue to the affected villages annually.
With the aim of reducing the state’s reliance on costly external sources of electricity, the DHEP is positioned as a clean, renewable, and reliable energy source to meet the growing power demand and ensure energy security for Nagaland.