Sawalakote Hydroelectric Project: Technical Bids For Lot-I Opened; Five Major Firms in Race, SJAC Reiterates Demands For Ramban

RAMBAN : Technical bids for Lot-I of the Sawalakote Hydroelectric Project were opened on Wednesday, with five major infrastructure companies participating in the first phase of the tender process — Adani Infra India Ltd., Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd., Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Patel Engineering Ltd., and Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.Reacting to the development, Advocate Fairoz Khan, President of the Sawalakote Joint Action Committee (SJAC), Ramban, congratulated the people of Ramban and said the opening of the bids marks only the beginning.

Khan said the SJAC supports development but wants justice, transparency and protection of the rights of affected people. He highlighted that nearly 88% of the project’s submergence area falls within Ramban district and called for fair compensation, comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement, livelihood security and priority for local youth in employment, contracts and services.

The SJAC also reiterated its demands for time-bound project execution, transparent road-diversion plans, review of previously acquired unused land, and adequate environmental and social safeguards.We are ready for dialogue, but we will not accept empty promises,” Khan said, adding that the SJAC would continue to pursue the rights of the people of Ramban through democratic and lawful means.

__Helo India News Desk