The resettlement colonies created by NTPC were handed over to the State Governments as per the decision of Government of India at the level of Cabinet Secretary. The same was also agreed in the meeting of DEA, Ministry of Finance, and Government of India on 19.08.97, chaired by the Additional Secretary. Accordingly the Resettlement Colony of Rihand was handed over to Shakti Nagar Special Area Development Authority (SSADA). In addition to the above, NTPC has constructed the 70 KM long trunk road (from project to Renukut) which connects 20 odd villages of Muirpur block of Sonebhadra district in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, another 40 KM long main road (from Project to Waidhan) of Sidhi district in the state of Madhya Pradesh has also been constructed.
Our determined efforts and painstaking work has borne fruits over the years. The difference in the living standards of those affected by the project is for all to see on the ground. NTPC continues its active involvement in addressing social issues at these super thermal power projects within the Singrauli region. Our impact includes:
- The construction of the main road between Renukut and Waidhan via the project has led to greater connectivity between the two states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This has impacted the local economies and provided easy access to other facilities.
- The income of the local communities went up due to increase in the land holdings of the Project Affected Persons by approximately two fold as well as development of infrastructure such as roads, irrigation facilities and power supply. This has not only improved the lives of the people but also boosted the local economies.
- Our efforts in sowing the seeds of education have germinated. The literacy level has gone up from 5 per cent to 70 per cent during this period in the R&R plan areas and this is quite significant compared to the fact that the literacy level in the project unaffected villages stands at an abysmal 47 per cent.
- There has been a significant impact on the health of the displaced communities. The mortality rate has reduced substantially due to regular health check up camps and the setting up of primary health centres and hospital by the NTPC management. State Government studies have revealed that the general health of the people in these areas is much better compared to the adjoining parts of the projects not affected by the project.
- NTPC has provided the local communities with alternate sources of livelihood beyond agriculture. Now most of the PAPs and their family members are either employed or running own businesses. This has dramatically altered the income levels and vocation choices of the affected people due to sustained efforts made by the NTPC.
- The relocation of the PAPs from remote rural villages to semi-urban areas in the resettlement colonies has been life changing. They now have access to better infrastructure facilities like roads, safe drinking water as also better medical and education facilities.
NTPC is acutely aware that oversights and lapses may occur in R&R projects of such a scale. Therefore it is conscious that corrective measures have to be applied when such lapses take place. Services of reputed NGOs have been hired for dialogue with the stakeholders, formulation and implementation of R&R plan and other assistance as may be required during addressing the resettlement and rehabilitation issues. Whenever any shortcomings in the execution of the programmes are highlighted, the project authorities have tackled those with all earnestness.
NTPC management is always open to suggestions and criticisms from all quarters. It is in constant touch with the direct stakeholders (PAPs and the local villagers) to remedy the situations as and when they arise.