Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
5mo ago

Contractor Warns of Exit From J&K’s Ratle Hydropower Project, Citing Political Interference

A senior MEIL official says threats and an assault on the firm’s HR head have disrupted work as the BJP legislator named rejects the charge and levels counter-allegations.

Image
Image
Image
Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar has said the officer in question has recruited surrendered militants. Around 250 locals were retrenched without prior notice, she alleged.

Overview

  • MEIL’s joint COO Harpal Singh alleges BJP MLA Shagun Parihar and supporters are pressuring the firm over hiring and contracts, warning the company may halt work or withdraw if interference persists.
  • The company says its HR head was attacked on December 4 near Drabshalla and that a police case was registered after it approached the deputy commissioner.
  • MEIL reports 1,434 workers at the site, most from Kishtwar and nearby districts, and says it retrenched 200 surplus workers after receiving approval to trim about 300, with an undertaking to rehire if needed.
  • Parihar was unreachable in some accounts but has denied the accusations in other reports and has alleged unlawful retrenchments and the hiring of surrendered militants, claims the company has not acknowledged.
  • The 850 MW Ratle project on the Chenab is run by an NHPC–JKSPDC joint venture with MEIL as contractor, and the firm warns ongoing disruptions could compromise safety and lead to heavy losses and bank-guarantee penalties.