Sawalkote Hydel Project row
* Opposes road connectivity via Pancheri
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, May 1: Sawalkote Joint Action Committee (SJAC) today declared to hold grand rally at Ramban on May 3 in connection with submergence of over 88% area, non-payment of compensation to the people as per normal rate and road connectivity through Udhampur instead of Ramban.
Addressing a press conference here today, SJAC president, Advocate Fairoz Khan, alongwith other members- Muzaffar Lone, Mohd Akhtar, Sadam Bali, Mohd Irshad Rather, Wakeel Singh, Surjeet Singh and others raised serious concerns over the continued uncertainty surrounding the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project.
The Committee highlighted the persistent lack of clarity regarding the proposed road diversion. It noted that the matter has already been formally escalated through communication dated April 13, 2026, wherein Member of Parliament Dr Jitendra Singh forwarded a proposal submitted by MLA Udhampur (West), Pawan Kumar Gupta, to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The proposal reportedly suggests routing road connectivity to the project through Pancheri in Udhampur instead of Ramban. The SJAC stated that such developments have created confusion and anxiety among the residents of Ramban regarding their rightful stake in the project.
The Committee also expressed concern over reports indicating a possible shift of the project site by 2–3 kilometers away from Ramban. It warned that such a move could reduce Ramban’s role to that of a reservoir zone while the district continues to bear the environmental and social costs. The SJAC stated that if the project is shifted in this manner, Ramban will face a disproportionate burden of submergence, with an estimated 88% of the affected land falling within the district.
Further, the Committee questioned the continued delay in the opening of tenders and the absence of a clearly defined and time-bound execution plan. It emphasized that prolonged ambiguity undermines public confidence and adversely impacts local development planning, livelihoods, and economic expectations.
The SJAC also raised the issue of land acquisition and compensation, stating that several affected families have either received inadequate compensation or have had their land acquired but left unused for years. The Committee demanded that all compensation be ensured strictly in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
JAC demanded official clarification regarding the road diversion plan, declaration of the tender opening schedule and a fixed project execution timeline, fair and lawful compensation in accordance with land acquisition laws and return of unused acquired land or revised compensation as per law, comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement policy for all affected families and guaranteed wage security for workers and affected families.
Committee declared that on May 3, the grand rally will commence from Dak Bungalow Ramban and proceed via Bus Stand Ramban to Bali Bazar, and culminate back at Dak Bungalow, Ramban.
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