Sir, There are newspaper reports that the state Government of Assam is bent on bringing back the turbines to be used for the construction of the 2000-MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project. It was reported earlier that the ships carrying the turbines to the Gerukamukh site were sent back due to strong public protest. However, later on, it was found that the ships were kept somewhere near Dhuburi and as per the latest report the state Government is engaging all means possible for the transportations of these turbines to the construction site. The Lower Subansiri Basin in Assam, an extensive alluvial landscape with exceptionally rich natural resource base, supports an ethnically diverse population that sustains primarily on traditional agriculture, fishery and allied activities. The proposed Lower Subansri hydroelectric project in the foothills apprehended to have a cumulative impact of different dimensions and magnitudes right from the immediate downstream to the confluence with the Brahmaputra, once completed. The expert group, drawn from the IIT-Guwahati and Gauhati and Dibrugarh Universities, was set up last year to study the downstream impact of the ongoing project. The panel recommendation, as we came to know was to make significant change including sufficient reduction in dam height and reduce production (power generation) capacity so as to minimize adverse economic (livelihood) and environmental impacts. Have the Govt. of Assam considered these recommendations? There is not sufficient information about Government stand on them and it can be assumed that Govt. is forcing its way disregarding the opinions of the affected people. The situation is analogous to someone in a certain locality constructing a tall building without considering the impact on his neighbors. The structure might obstruct entrance of others or might dry up the water supply to others. Shouldn’t the municipal corporation take action on the compliance? Or should the corporation expect the people to suffer silently and live in the constant fear of a catastrophic building collapse. The Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project is going to impact hundreds of thousands of people. Over the next few days, we will know if Govt. of Assam is considering the care and concerns of these masses; whether the voice of people would matter; we will know if the Government is accountable on the findings of the academicians and the experts. A concerned non-resident Ankur Bora Dallas , Texas , 12th July _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
