KAZA/SHIMLA: In a heart-wrenching display of desperation, 167 tribals from Nekyid village, Spiti, have begun an indefinite chain hunger strike in front of the ADC office, demanding urgent action on the stalled Flow Irrigation Scheme (FIS) under NABARD.

Carrying placards, these resilient tribals have sit on a peaceful hunger strike, seeking justice here today on July 19.

They have flagged  a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging him to intervene and expedite the FIS project, which has come as a life-saving project for them.

In this  tribal heartland, the FIS project is more than just a water scheme. It  holds the promise of a better life. The tribals dream of fields filled with green crops, breaking the shackles of poverty and survival at the edge.

But their hopes were shattered when the Forest department halted the project, leaving them in despair.

The Forest department's flimsy reasons for halting the project have left the community in deep despair.

The tribals lament that the forest division's decision was based on a verbal complaint, neglecting the project's potential to transform their lives.

Their fears are real as they face  snow and wind storms due to topography's constraints and have  only six months  working season due to severe cold and snow, adding urgency to their plea.

The villagers demand the government's impartiality and fair treatment, as allegations of biased development allocation have eroded public trust.

Their peaceful strike seeks to restore hope and remedy their plight, as they yearn to cultivate the barren land and create a sustainable future for their generations to come.

The FIS project's delay has far-reaching consequences, affecting over 165 families' employment opportunities.

 Starting of FIS water supply project would open doors to livelihoods, generating a village economy worth Rs 10 Crore per year and fostering local employment.

Beyond their struggle for water, the tribals share dreams of a sustainable future.

They envision an eco-friendly sewerage system, solar-powered lights, and renewable energy solutions to protect their unique environment under the FIS project.

Underground electricity lines become a necessity, as heavy snow often damages overhead lines, disrupting their lives.

These necessities are crucial for survival in this tough region of Himachal.

The reason for the halt was an alleged verbal complaint received by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFD) wildlife office.  

The tender for the FIS scheme awarded in April 2023. They argue that the land used for the project remains practically the same as before, with only minor improvements.

As they endure sleepless nights and days of hunger, the tribals are left wondering about the impartiality of the Forest department.

They fear that the delay in the FIS project jeopardizes not just their livelihoods but their very survival.

As the days pass, the hunger strikers remain steadfast, resilient soldiers of the cold desert. Their dream is not only for themselves but for the generations to come.

It is a call to humanity to recognize the plight of these simple souls and extend a helping hand towards a brighter and more sustainable future for their future generations.