RAMBAN, Sep 13: The Sawalkote Joint Action Committee (SJAC) convened a high-level meeting today at the Dak Bungalow, Ramban, to review the latest developments surrounding the prestigious Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project (HEP) following the official opening of technical bids for Lot-I (worth approximately ₹5,129 Crore) on September 9, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by SJAC President Advocate Fairoz Khan and attended by core committee members, legal experts, civil society representatives, and affected local residents. Addressing the gathering, the Committee acknowledged the shortlisting of five leading infrastructure conglomerates—Adani Infra India Ltd, Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd (HCC), Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), Patel Engineering Ltd, and Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.—calling it a hard-fought milestone achieved through the persistent unity and struggle of the local population.
Congratulating the people of Ramban, Advocate Fairoz Khan said: “I congratulate every young man and woman of Ramban, every member of the SJAC, and every resident who has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this long struggle. Your patience, courage, and unity have brought us this far. But make no mistake—this is not the end; it is only the beginning of our fight for legitimate rights.
Our fight is not against development, but for justice. While we have always supported nation-building, we will not allow Ramban to bear 88% of the submergence burden while our people are left in the dark about their future.” Speaking on the legal and social ramifications, Legal Advisor Advocate Muzaffar Lone, along with senior members Mudasir Azmat, Iftraz Shoil, Dharam Singh, Sanjay Singh, Jhanghir Ahmed, Yassir Sheik, Manzoor, Irshad Ahmed Pedhar, Ali Shan, and Zakir, warned that execution on the ground cannot commence smoothly without addressing the genuine grievances of the project-affected families (PAFs). The SJAC unanimously reiterated its 7-Point Charter of Non-Negotiable Demands: Timely Project Execution: The tendering and award process must proceed transparently without further bureaucratic delays, backed by an officially notified, time-bound completion schedule.
Fair Compensation under Law: Every affected landowner must be compensated strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. 100% Priority for Local Youth: Absolute first preference in all direct employment, technical/non-technical jobs, sub-contracts, supply chains, and vehicle hiring must be legally guaranteed to the educated and skilled youth of District Ramban. Comprehensive Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R): A robust R&R package ensuring modern civic amenities, lifetime livelihood protection, and wage security for all displaced families. Clarity on Road Connectivity & Diversion Plans: The project authorities and administration must immediately issue an official, transparent blueprint regarding road networks, tunnel alignments, and bypass routes to end public confusion. Review of Unused Acquired Land: Land acquired decades ago that remains unutilized must either be restored to the original owners or reassessed for fresh compensation as per current market rates.
Stringent Environmental Safeguards: Comprehensive ecological protection measures to safeguard the fragile Chenab Valley terrain, water sources, and human habitations from unscientific dumping and blasting.
The Committee resolved to maintain close vigil on the upcoming financial bid opening and contract award, warning that any attempt to bypass local interests will be met with peaceful, democratic resistance across the district.
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