In CM’s segment, 15 villages threaten to boycott elections
SHIMLA: Perturbed over the environmental hazards posed by a a cement plant set up in the area, over 15 villages in chief minister Virbhadra Singh’s battlefield Arki have decided to boycott the November 9 elections.
The villagers, demanding rehabilitation, said that they have been facing problems of air and noise pollution ever since the plant was set up in the area.
“We were given several assurances but nothing has happened. Houses in the area are now developing cracks,” said Jagdish Sharma, a resident of Rauri village, who lives close to the plant.
Sharma, who is the convener of the Cement Plant Affected Farmers’ body, said, “We held a meeting on Friday and decided to boycott the election. We will inform authorities about our issues too. A government which does not listen to such sensitive issues is of no use to us.”
The villages which are boycotting the elections include Khata, Baga, Suli, Bated, Koon, Pachhiwar, Sar, Damras, Jablu, Rauri, Dabaru, Dhawni, Paleri, Sulag and Sadheru.
“There are a few other small villages too which are affected by the cement plant,” Sharma said.
The plant started production in 2010 and is produces 10,000-MT cement a day.
Villagers claim that they were against the setting up of the plant.
“Some houses are even located within a radius of six to 15 metres from the boundary wall of the plant,” said DR Thakur of Baga village, adding, “We don’t know how the government gave permission to set up the plant in the area.”
The villagers will submit a memorandum to the election commission on Saturday regarding their decision to boycott the November 9 election.