Ramban, May 1: The Sawalkakote Joint Action Committee (SJAC), under the leadership of its President, Advocate Fairoz Khan, along with members of the SJAC, namely: Legal Advisor Muzaffar Lone, Mohd Akhtar, Sadam Bali, Mudassar Azmat Mir, Manzoor Ahmed, Mohd Irshad Rather, Wakeel Singh, Surjeet Singh, Imtiyaz Ahmed, Mohd Rabir, Happy Singh, Ab Rahim Bali, Mohd Asif Tak, and Gulrayz, addressed a press conference today at Ramban, raising serious concerns over the continued uncertainty surrounding the Sawalkakote 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), Er. Pawan Kumar Gupta, to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
The proposal reportedly suggests routing road connectivity to the project through 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. It stated 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. It further demanded that where acquired land remains unused, it should either be returned to the rightful owners or compensation should be reassessed and paid in accordance with the Act.
Reiterating its position, the SJAC placed the following key demands: Immediate and 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 Return of unused acquired land or revised compensation as per law Comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement policy for all affected families Guaranteed wage security for workers and affected families First preference in employment to local residents Protection of environmental and social interests of the region On the occasion of Labour Day, the Committee underscored that the rights, dignity, and economic security of workers and project-affected communities must remain central to all development initiatives. Public Rally Announcement: The SJAC announced a peaceful public rally to be held on May 3, 2026.
The rally will commence from Dak Bungalow Ramban, proceed via Bus Stand Ramban to Bali Bazar, and culminate back at Dak Bungalow Ramban. The general public of Ramban has been invited to participate and raise their concerns in a democratic manner.
The SJAC urged the administration to respond with transparency and within a defined timeframe and appealed to the media to highlight the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the people of Ramban.
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