AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
Bilaspur;—In a landmark move after nearly 15 years, the State Government convened a significant meeting of the State-Level Koldam Displaced Rehabilitation and Advisory Committee at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Bilaspur. The meeting was presided over by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, marking a renewed commitment to resolving longstanding issues faced by families displaced due to the Koldam project.
The meeting was attended by MLA Arki Sanjay Awasthi, MLA Bilaspur Sadar Trilok Jamwal, Divisional Commissioner Mandi Raj Krishna Paruthi, and the Deputy Commissioners of Bilaspur, Shimla, and Solan. The Deputy Commissioner Mandi participated virtually.
Revenue Minister Negi said the government is unwavering in its resolve to ensure justice and full rehabilitation for every affected family. “Not even the last displaced person will be left behind. Their rights and entitlements will be delivered without fail,” he stated. He emphasized that the government is determined to comprehensively address all pending rehabilitation concerns.
To fast-track solutions, the Minister directed the Deputy Commissioners of Bilaspur and Mandi to constitute a joint committee led by SDM Bilaspur Sadar and SDM Sundernagar. The committee will conduct a detailed field assessment — including videography and documentary evidence — and submit a comprehensive report within one month. “This investigation will not be symbolic. Accountability will be ensured,” the Minister asserted.
The meeting examined the serious issue of increasing silt deposition from Tatapani to Sunni, posing risks of flooding during monsoons. The Minister instructed NTPC to formulate a permanent action plan, while directing Deputy Commissioners to issue notices under the Dam Safety Act and Disaster Management Act.
Strong objections surfaced regarding the lack of employment priority for displaced families. Responding promptly, the Minister ordered a detailed list of all displaced individuals employed since the start of the project to be prepared before the next meeting.
He further instructed NTPC to allocate LADF and CSR funds strictly according to the needs of the affected areas. No new project, he said, will be approved without joint consultations involving local residents, Panchayats, and administration. Emphasis was placed on developing sports facilities, skill development hubs, startups, and local livelihood models.
Regarding concerns over non-ownership of houses in displaced colonies, the Minister directed the Revenue Department to find an immediate and permanent solution. Issues such as inadequate water supply, damaged roads, non-functional streetlights, poor sewerage, and irregular plot allotment were raised, prompting strict directions for corrective action.
MLA Sanjay Awasthi and MLA Trilok Jamwal strongly advocated for speedy and permanent solutions to rehabilitation challenges in their constituencies.
The meeting concluded with firm assurances that the government will not compromise on the rights, dignity, and well-being of every displaced family.