Singhar Alleges NOC Issued Against Gram Sabha Refusal in Rewa

Opposition leader Umang Singhar has alleged that a No Objection Certificate for Tata Power's proposed nuclear project in Rewa was issued despite a clear refusal from the local gram sabha. The Congress made the claim on Monday, demanding transparency from the state government.

Singhar made the allegation at a press conference held in Bhopal. A day before the press meet, he had travelled to the project site in the Rojhauhi-Sarai Kala area, where he interacted with tribal and other villagers protesting the plan.

He said the government owes the public an explanation. "If the gram sabha refused consent so clearly, why was the NOC issued? The concerned documents should be made public," he said.

The timeline, as Singhar presented it, begins on September 3, when the gram sabha unanimously declined to permit drilling. Two days later, on September 5, the gram panchayat allegedly informed the district collector in writing. Despite this, the NOC was issued on September 23, reportedly based on a consent letter dated September 4.

On October 8, Sarpanch Komal Sanjay Singh contacted the divisional commissioner and the district collector. She asked for the consent letter to be verified and the NOC to be cancelled.

The proposed facility envisages two nuclear power units of 220 MW each. Tribal families, small farmers and agricultural labourers are among those who oppose it, citing concerns about safety, water availability, livelihoods tied to agriculture and environmental damage.

Singhar has called on the government to disclose whether the Environmental Impact Assessment, seismic risk study and water availability assessment have been completed. He has also sought information on disaster preparedness, the planned reactor sites, and how many villages and families lie within the safety zone.

"The government must explain how the safety of residents will be ensured and how tribal families and farmers will be protected," he said.

Singhar also highlighted the death of tribal woman Vimla Kol during the agitation and urged the government to take the protesters' concerns seriously.

He questioned how a state that has seen people die from polluted water and children lose their lives to toxic cough syrup could guarantee the safety of a nuclear power plant.