ITANAGAR, Jun 25: The Kamala Dam Affected Peoples' Forum - Kamle, Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi (KDAPF-K3) has alleged that several genuine landowners and affected persons have been excluded from the list of land-affected families for the proposed 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project, while names of individuals with no legitimate claims over the affected areas have reportedly been included.
In a representation submitted to the Secretary, Land Management Department, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, the Forum sought immediate verification and correction of the list to ensure fairness and transparency in the compensation process.
The Forum also called for the preparation and proper communication of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) scheme for affected families, claiming that adequate information regarding the proposed rehabilitation measures has not been shared with stakeholders.
Further, KDAPF K3 urged the authorities to suspend the declaration issued under Section 19 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, along with subsequent public notices issued under Section 21 concerning the proposed hydropower project.
According to the Forum, the declaration was issued without completion of mandatory procedures prescribed under Sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Act. It contended that following publication of the preliminary notification, objections from affected persons must be heard and considered, followed by surveys, census exercises and preparation of a draft Rehabilitation and Resettlement Scheme by the designated authority.
The Forum maintained that adherence to the provisions of the LARR Act is essential to safeguard the rights and interests of all genuinely affected families and ensure a transparent land acquisition process.