Bilaspur, December 08, 2025-A crucial meeting of the State Level Kol Dam Oustees Rehabilitation and Advisory Committee was held today at the Bachat Bhawan of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Bilaspur. The meeting was chaired by the State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Jagat Singh Negi. MLA Arki Sanjay Awasthi, MLA Bilaspur Sadar Trilok Jamwal, Divisional Commissioner Mandi Raj Krishna Paruthi, and the Deputy Commissioners of Bilaspur, Shimla and Solan were present. The Deputy Commissioner Mandi participated virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the Government of Himachal Pradesh is fully committed to safeguarding the rights and ensuring proper rehabilitation of all families displaced due to development projects in the state. He reiterated that “every last affected family is entitled to rehabilitation and basic amenities, and the government will ensure that this right is granted under all circumstances.” The Minister informed that after nearly 15 years, this meeting has been convened to address pending issues and work toward their comprehensive resolution.

The Minister directed the Deputy Commissioners of Bilaspur and Mandi to constitute committees under the chairmanship of SDM Sadar Bilaspur and SDM Sundernagar to examine issues related to Kol Dam rehabilitation. He instructed that these committees must submit a fact-based detailed report along with videography, evidence and ground verification within one month. He emphasized that this exercise will not remain a formality but will ensure accountability.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on concerns regarding increasing siltation in the Kol Dam between Tattapani and Sunni, and the risk of flooding during monsoons in surrounding habitations. The Minister directed NTPC officials to take immediate steps to address this issue permanently. He also instructed all concerned Deputy Commissioners to issue notices to NTPC under the Dam Safety Act and Disaster Management Act with immediate effect.

Non-government members expressed dissatisfaction regarding lack of priority to displaced families in employment. The Minister directed NTPC to prepare a detailed list of all displaced persons who were provided employment since the inception of the project. He said that a final decision on the matter will be taken in the upcoming review meeting.

The Minister further instructed NTPC to utilize Local Area Development Fund and CSR resources strictly in accordance with the actual needs of affected communities. He asserted that henceforth, no developmental proposal will be approved without holding joint consultations with local residents, Panchayat representatives and the district administration. He also stressed upon the need to develop playgrounds for youth, skill development interventions, startup promotion and sustainable livelihood models in affected regions. He directed Deputy Commissioners to regularly convene meetings of the Local Area Development Committee in these areas.

Responding to the grievance raised by non-government members regarding the absence of ownership rights for houses allocated in rehabilitation colonies, the Minister directed the Revenue Department to ensure an immediate and permanent solution, ensuring full legal rights for displaced families. Concerns regarding lack of road connectivity, water supply, drainage, street lighting, sewage and pending plot allotment in NTPC rehabilitation colonies were also raised in the meeting, upon which the Minister issued necessary directions to the concerned departments.

MLA Arki Sanjay Awasthi and MLA Bilaspur Sadar Trilok Jamwal highlighted the long-pending concerns of the displaced communities in their respective regions and urged NTPC and departmental authorities to take corrective measures to ensure permanent resolution.

Senior officials of NTPC, district administration officers from various departments and non-government members were present during the meeting.