ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Sep 19: In a recent development, Techi Hemu, a former MLA, has raised concerns over a notification issued by the Department of Power pertaining to a special ex gratia relief package related to the Right of Way for a 132 KV transmission line passing through a reserved forest in Pakke Kessang district.
Speaking at the Press Club on Tuesday, Hemu has strongly criticized the notification, asserting that it not only disregards the rights of local villagers but also denies them their rightful compensation for tribal land.
He called upon the state government to retract the notification and invalidate the no objection certificate issued by the district Deputy Commissioner regarding the forest area clearance for the 132 KV transmission line. "Despite the transmission line passing through a reserved forest, the land has historically been inhabited by villagers, predating India's independence. As such, the indigenous tribal rights of these villagers should not be denied by either the state or central government," he asserted.
Citing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, Hemu highlighted that the forest area's residents have the legal right to occupy and inhabit that land. He also objected to the use of the term 'ex-gratia' by the Department of Power, insisting that the villagers are entitled to compensation, not ex-gratia payments.
Hemu further criticized the district Deputy Commissioner for allegedly obtaining a no objection certificate from Gram Panchayats through fraudulent means. "Such unlawful practices by the district administration are deemed unacceptable," he said seeking the revocation of the certificate issued by the Deputy Commissioner for forest clearance, as well as the rescinding of the Department of Power's order.
Hemu suggested that the concerned authorities, including the Forest Department, District Administration and Department of Power, should engage in negotiations with the landowners to acquire the land legally, rather than resorting to illicit procedures. He asserted that the forest area's residents are entitled to compensation for their land.
He further claimed that the department has already disbursed a substantial amount of Rs. 75 crore to the Forest Department, wildlife agencies, and the Pakke Tiger Conservation Foundation as compensation for clearing the forest. He raised concerns about the apparent misuse of funds, with some departments and NGOs benefiting unduly under the guise of forest clearance compensation. Hemu further cautioned of legal action unless the state government addresses their demands.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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