Assam moots expert committee for Subansiri project review

In view of resentment among locals, Assam has recommended NHPC to constitute a “multi-disciplinary expert committee” to “thoroughly” study all issues connected with the 2,000 Mw Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project and initiate suitable follow-up actions accordingly.

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi discussed issues concerning the project at a meeting with S K Garg, chairman and managing director of NHPC, and apprised him the view of the state government.

The project has been facing opposition from locals in Assam for the perceived threat it poses to the surrounding ecology and downstream Assam. A recent report by an expert committee, which expressed its reservations against the Lower Subansiri Project, had triggered wave of protests against the project; with political parties too joining the bandwagon.

Gogoi said that in view of the resentment among the people, NHPC should take care of all the issues.

“The power company should address all these issues properly leaving no scope for any resentment from any quarter, he said. "The dam must not pose any threat to the environment and all steps must be initiated to protect the environment, including the rich biodiversity of the State," Gogoi added.

Gogoi asked Garg to keep on apprising the state government from time to time on the steps initiated by the power company. Garg however assured that the company would “respect the sentiments of the people of Assam and take steps to address the concerns” and said the project was at its “advanced stage” and would be commissioned in 2012 in two phases.

In the wake of protests against the project, the union environment and forests minister, Jairam Ramesh, recently had a daylong public hearing in Guwahati with various civil and environmental groups.