Member of the National Human Rights Commission Dr. Surya Dhungel has said that no one can snatch away human rights if the citizens are determined.
Speaking at an interaction program organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Manthali on October 27, 2021, to discuss the impact of the Sunkoshi-Marin diversion and the economic, social, and cultural rights of the people affected by the Sunkoshi-2 Hydropower Project, he addressed the attendees with his opinion.
He emphasized the need to take development and human rights parallelly. Dhungel further said that human rights issues should also be incorporated in the development projects and one should be aware of the impact on the economic, social, and cultural rights of the local community while conducting development projects.
Rita Majhi, Member of the Bagmati Province Assembly, said that the project should not be operated as Sunkoshi-2 would destroy the settlement of the Majhi (fishermen )community living on the banks of Sunkoshi and Tamakoshi Rivers.
Chief of the District Coordination Committee Ramechhap, Prem Khadka said that the Sunkoshi-2 Hydropower Project has not cooperated with the local people’s representatives so far.
Chief of Manthali Municipality, Ramesh Basnet, said that he would not oppose the Sunkoshi-Marin diversion as it would irritate the Terai granaries with very little damage. He said that Sunkoshi-2 is a very ambitious project.
Leaders of the local Majhi community and representatives of political parties suggested that the scheme should not be implemented in such a way as to provoke the locals. They requested to move ahead with the plan by managing the locals.