Dust pollution hampering pollination, Apple growers halt Luhri hydro project

The air and dust pollution hampering pollination of apple orchard in the nearby villages of Luhri hydro project being constructed by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited near Nirth on the Satluj river. This was stated by the CPI(M) lagislator Rakesh Singha while addressing media person here in Monday. We have given call of public meeting on the project site on April 12 to protect unscientific evacuation and blasting on the Luhri Dam. The local people requested contractors to allow apple flowers settings as orchards are in blooms but relentless digging and blasting not only causing disturbances to the ecology but clouds of dusts in the air settling on the flowers ruining prospect of good crops. Farmers already stopped the construction work since March 28 and urging the SJVNL to not ruin the prospect of crops source of livelihood for hundreds of families. :”Chief Managing director of SJVNL Nand Lal have called me this morning to intervene in the matter and allow project work. I have conveyed to CMD that not test the patience of farmers  as they are facing frequent failure of crops due to adverse weather and climate changes ” Farmers would not allow the project at least till April 12 if the construction work resumed in between agitation would be held at three places starting agitation to annual the Luhri project” Singha said. People of Kinnuar currently agitating against Jangi power project similarly started ‘no means no’ agitation, he added. SJVNL is constructing  mega Watt hydropower project on the Satluj which would be built on spillage Dam.