Kohima: The Land Owners’ Union of the Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant has issued an urgent plea to the Nagaland Chief Minister. They demand action on unresolved grievances tied to the 75-MW project. The union represents 17 villages that sacrificed 8,420.41 acres of land in 1984. This land transfer occurred under a tripartite agreement involving the state, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited, and the landowners. The project was dedicated to the nation on March 2, 2002.
Leadership remains frustrated. The union claims the 2020 transfer of NEEPCO’s shares to NTPC for Rs 4,000 crore happened without local consent. They argue this move violated their original agreement. Furthermore, the union states this transfer occurred "without the knowledge and consent of Government of Nagaland and the stakeholders of Doyang Hydro-Electric Plant."
A major conflict persists over reservoir water levels. While NEEPCO claims compensation was paid for land up to 340 meters, the actual water level sits at 324 meters. This discrepancy threatens local safety. The union also reports a systemic failure to provide preferential employment for families. Qualified locals are ignored for Grade-D and contractual roles. They also demand the state prioritize hiring local civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
The union wants a cut of the revenue. Nagaland currently receives 12% of power generated as free energy. The union is asking the state to earmark 2% or 4% of that revenue for a Local Area Development Fund. This money would directly benefit the affected Wokha communities. After two decades of waiting, the union demands immediate, decisive intervention.
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