'No rethink on hydel power policies'

State has signed not less than 150 memorandums of understating with private as well state owned power companies for implementation of projects

The northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is often said as a powerhouse of India for its huge potential to generate hydro power, has ruled out any re-consideration of its indiscriminate hydro-power project construction policy in the wake of Uttarakhand disaster, said Nabam Tuki, chief minister of the state.

"Whole world has been constructing dams. Assam has also constructed dams. If dams are constructed in scientific way, there isn't any threat to downstream areas. Our dams will be constructed through latest technology," said Tuki. When asked if the state should be cautious in indiscriminate construction of dams post Uttarakhand tragedy, Tuki told Business Standard: "There is no question of re-viewing MoUs signed for implementation of hydro-projects." The state has signed not less than 150 memorandums of understating (MoU) with private as well state owned power companies for implementation of projects.

On fierce opposition to the under-construction 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri hydro project, Tuki said: "The dam is in the interest of India and North-East. If anyone has any reservation or opposition, he should sit and talk." He said the fear that dams constructed in Arunachal Pradesh will affect downstream Assam was unwarranted. "If dams are constructed in scientific ways, there will be no threat to downstream areas,"added Tuki.

He said hydro-power project proposals are first examined by the Centre and if found technically and scientifically correct, then only the go-ahead is given. Hence, the implementation of those projects which had received the green signal from the Centre should not be opposed by groups in Assam, said Tuki.

Jairam Ramesh, the former Union minister of state for commerce, had in 2008 termed the MoU signing spree of the Arunachal Pradesh government as 'MoU virus' which had afflicted the state.