Dehradun: More than three weeks after the centre approved the proposal for the transfer of 127 hectares of forest land to “Jal Sansthan”, the state government has now swung into action to expedite the displacement process to expedite work on the Song dam drinking water project.
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the officials concerned to take the consent from the affected families, which are to be displaced. He also asked them to provide land based on their consent.
CM asked officials to ensure availability of basic facilities for the displaced families
CM Dhami has given clear direction to the official to ensure availability of basic facilities for the families to be affected by the project. CM Dhami, who reviewed the progress of the Song dam project on Thursday, told the officials that if there is need to construct community building, temples, roads, or any other things, they should be done after taking consent from the affected families.
Centre’s approval for the transfer of forest land to “Jal Sansthan” paved the way for the construction of the project
Earlier, the approval given by the centre for the transfer of 127 hectares of forest land to “Jal Sansthan” paved the way for construction of the Song dam drinking water project. This project is expected to ensure proper supply of the drinking water to Dehradun city. The state government will give 257 hectares of civil land for afforestation.
275 families are likely to be affected by the project
As per the assessment, 275 families are likely to be affected by the Song dam project. The site of Song dam project is located about 10 km away from Dehradun’s Maldevta. The Song dam project also affects a part of the Tehri district border. According to the records of the revenue department, about 147 land holders are present in this area. Apart from 127 hectare of forest land, more than 10.3 hectare of private land is coming within the limit of the project. The preliminary report suggests that 38 “pukka” houses, 11 ‘Kucha” houses and a religious place are in the areas to be affected by the project.
The project will benefit the farmers also
This project will ensure supply of 150 MLD drinking water per day to Dehradun city. More than 11 lakh population will be benefitted by the supply of the drinking water. It will also be helpful in the improvement of underground water-level. It is meant to benefit the farmers also. This is a multipurpose project serving water supply, irrigation, tourism development, hydro-power generation, and supply of groundwater tables.
