Hydro-Power Project, Dams
Form experts' body to assess ecological impacts, Assam CM urges Manmohan
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to set up a team of technical experts to examine the safety of proposed hydro-power projects and dams in adjacent northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The letter called upon state-owned National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC), implementing the 2000MW Lower Subansiri Hydro-electric Project at Gerukamukh on Assam-Arunachal border, to set up the team consisting of internationally acclaimed seismologists and experts on the subject.
The team would examine the technical parametres for the safety and stability of the project, the letter stated.
Gogoi told reporters in Guwahati on Friday that he also put forward a suggestion to consider setting up a steering group to advise the NHPC on flood and erosion control measures in downstream areas.
Allaying widespread concern that his government was silent on the adverse effect of the projects downstream in Assam, Gogoi said, “I will definitely not accept any such project.
“But if they benefit Assam after remedial measures, I will accept them. I will form an expert commission for studying the impact of the projects.”
Seeking the PM's personal intervention, Gogoi said the Central Water Commission should immediately start a comprehensive river basin study in the North East.
This would determine the cumulative impact on bio-diversity and the eco-system of the area due to the proposed hydel (hydro-electric) projects, he said.
“I am not against dams. If the experts say dams are not required on the Brahmaputra to control floods and erosion, then I will go with their opinion.
“If Subansiri damages Assam, then definitely I will not accept...,” Gogoi said.
“I have told the NHPC chairman to explain the effects of the project and whether there are chances of causing flash floods in Assam.
“We will not spare anyone...we will definitely look into the adverse effects of the project. We are more concerned than the others,” the chief minister asserted.
“The experts have not asked for the construction of the dams to be completely stopped, but for taking remedial measures for adverse effects on biodiversity and the problem of siltation,” he added.
On the support of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Khandu Dorji to the mega dams in his state, Gogoi said, “Let him put forward his views and I will place mine.”
Gogoi's remarks come in the backdrop of a raging debate over the desirability and safety of dams in northeastern Indian states, which have a fragile ecology, and Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's letter to Manmohan, seeking a fresh hard look at all proposed hydro-power projects and dams in the region.
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