Power minister criticises AASU for opposing power projects

Assam power minister Pradyut Bordoloi on Friday lashed out at the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and a section of intelligentsia for opposing the setting up of hydel power projects in the state.

“The state is faced with acute shortage of power with its current demand being 1,100 MW but the maximum production capacity is only 330 MW and more hydel power projects was a must to meet the deficit,” Bordoloi told reporters here.

During the last five years, demand for power has increased by 20 per cent and in the next five years, it was expected to rise to 24 per cent, he said.

“Criticising the government and particularly me for the power shortage in the state is unfair with a section of people opposed to all kinds of power projects,” he said.

The AASU since 1996 to 2006 was opposed to the idea of mega power projects but now they, along with a section of the intelligentsia, are opposed to all hydel projects, the minister said.