Arunachal demands speedy commissioning of lower subansiri proj

A delegation comprising Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena, Tourism Minister Pema Khandu and led by MP Takam Sanjoy submitted a memorandum to Union Power Minister Veerappa Moily yesterday at New Delhi and demanded for early cracking of the stalemate on the dam issue in the state, official sources informed here today.

"The 2000 MW project was allotted to NHPC which started its construction in 2005 which is to be commissioned in 2014. However, due to agitation by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), AASU and other organizations in Assam, the project is said to be drifting away from early commissioning in 2014 to 2016. Such obstructions in Assam have already created heavy loss to the national exchequer," the memorandum said.

"The Centre has also failed to initiate dialogue with the agitating organizations. We urge upon your good office to immediately constitute a committee consisting of representatives from Arunachal Pradesh government, Assam government, NHPC and a Joint Secretary of Union Power Ministry to create conducive atmosphere for a dialogue with the agitating organizations for a permanent solution to their grievances," it said.

Expressing dismay over the 'delay' in commissioning of 600 MW Kameng HE Project, which was supposed to be commissioned in 2012, the delegates urged the minister to pass a strong directive on the NEEPCO "to clear all projects (including 110 MW Pare Hydro Electric Project) awarded to them on time."