Imran Naikoo
Srinagar, Dec 15 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reacted to the controversy surrounding the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district, days after Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL), the company executing the project, warned that it may pull out if the administration failed to curb alleged threats and interference by locals and politicians.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, the Chief Minister said that no interference should be allowed in projects of national importance and that the matter must be viewed with utmost seriousness.
“There should be no interference and this issue needs to be examined very seriously. These are projects of national importance, not just for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country. There should be no room for interference at any level,” Abdullah said.
Referring to institutional control, the Chief Minister reiterated his demand for restoring key institutions to the elected government. He pointed out that despite holding the power portfolio, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has not yet been brought under the elected government’s control.
“I have been saying that institutions which earlier functioned under an elected government should be returned to it. I am the Power Minister, but the Power Development Corporation has still not been handed back,” he said.
Omar also made an oblique reference to the allegations involving political representatives, stating that if similar accusations had been levelled against any of his ministers, Anti-Corruption Bureau would have acted swiftly.
“You and I both know that had these allegations been against one of my ministers, the Anti-Corruption Bureau would have conducted raids by now. At present, the allegations are against an honourable MLA, but in Kishtwar, in almost every project, two opposition MLAs are said to be interfering in one way or another. The agencies concerned must do their job,” he added.
The controversy erupted earlier this week after a senior MEIL official alleged threats, work disruptions and political interference at the project site, warning that the company may be forced to withdraw if the situation continues. The Ratle project is among four hydropower projects in Kishtwar that have been fast-tracked by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Congress demanded a high-level independent probe into the allegations surrounding the execution of the Ratle project. The party said the project was sanctioned during the UPA government led by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for the benefit of the Chenab region and the entire Union Territory and alleged that recent revelations point to undue pressure and hurdles created during its execution. The Congress sought answers from the BJP, warning that continued controversy could derail the timely completion of the prestigious project.
