MEIL Suspends Ratle-Hydro-Project Due to Protests in Kishtwar

MEIL Suspends Ratle-Hydro-Project Due to Protests in Kishtwar

Asif Iqbal | November 8, 2023 | 08:14 AM IST | Kishtwar | Follow on Google News

MEIL Suspends Ratle-Hydro-Project Due to Protests in Kishtwar.image/google

MEIL Suspends Ratle-Hydro-Project Due to Protests in Kishtwar

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) has decided to halt work on the 850 Mega Watts (MW) Ratle Hydro Electric Project located on the River Chenab in the Kishtwar district. This sudden decision has come as a result of ongoing protests by workers and mounting pressure from local influential individuals demanding personal gratification payments.A Contract in Jeopardy.

In April 2022, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited entered into a contract agreement with the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) to carry out the Ratle Hydro Electric Project. This project, intended to generate 850 MW of electricity, seemed promising at the time. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its progress.

The Project Stumbles Amidst Local Protests

In an official notice pasted at the project site, the Chief General Manager of MEIL expressed concerns about the project’s ongoing struggles. The notice cited issues such as a lack of work culture among the workforce, frequent work stoppages, incidents of MEIL staff being manhandled, and local influential persons resorting to dharnas and strikes to pressure management for personal gratifications. These challenges have not only impeded progress but also tarnished the company’s reputation.

Unwarranted Interference Takes Its Toll

Sources have indicated that the protests primarily stem from undue interference by local influential individuals, including politicians and trade union leaders. These external factors have plagued the project since its inception, leading to previous agreements being terminated. The influential figures have consistently demanded the employment of their acquaintances within the project, further complicating matters.

Uncertain Future and Call for Resolution

Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited announced an indefinite closure of the project starting on November 6th. The notice stated that all employee and stakeholder dues would be handled according to the law. The sudden suspension of work poses a significant threat to the completion of the Ratle Hydro Electric Project.There is now an urgent need for local authorities to intervene and resolve the ongoing issues to ensure the project’s successful completion.

The project’s delay not only jeopardizes the country’s energy interests but also impacts the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.Late at night, the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar claimed to have resolved the issue in a meeting attended by Ratle management and trade union representatives. Work is expected to resume soon, but there has been no official response from Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.