Kohima: Landowners at the Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant in Wokha have turned to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to resolve long-standing grievances. The Land Owners’ Union, led by President P Roland Ezung and General Secretary Sorenthung Patton, issued a formal demand for action. They claim failures by operators and the state have denied justice to 17 affected villages for twenty years.
The root of the conflict traces back to February 28, 1984. Landowners surrendered 8,420.41 acres for the project. The group argues the 2020 transfer of NEEPCO’s stake to the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited for Rs 4,000 crore violated their original agreement. They say the deal happened "without the knowledge and consent of Government of Nagaland and the stakeholders of Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant."
Reservoir water levels remain a major flashpoint. The union reports the plant operates at 324 meters, yet NEEPCO claims compensation covered up to 340 meters. This dispute has led to dangerous water conditions for local residents. The union also demands that the state earmark 2% or 4% of its 12% free power revenue as a Local Area Development Fund for impacted families.
Jobs are another sticking point. The union says local families get ignored for Grade-D and contractual roles. They also called on the state to prioritize local engineers for positions at the 75 MW, 3x25 MW station. The project started in 2000 and was dedicated to the nation on March 2, 2002. Villagers are tired of waiting.
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