Altertive design under consideration

Lower Subansiri  Project

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 27: The Green Tribual has accepted an altertive design for Subanshiri Lower for consideration, but not without ruffling feathers of parties concerned.

The tribul heard the case (346/2013) filed by APW president Abhijit Sarma on May 25 and 26 in Kolkata. The bench comprising Justice SP Wangri and expert member PC Mishra asked Pradip Bhuyan, who submitted an altertive design for Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, to give details of his design within two weeks. The bench also asked all other parties involved in the case to submit their written opinions, if they still have any, within two weeks.

Justice Wangri said: “We’ve been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the riparian population and biodiversity. This responsibility is more important than the setting up of the hydroelectric project. Though there has been no opposition from Dispur, it is imperative on the part of NHPC and the Centre to ensure that the dam doesn’t affect the people and biodiversity in downstream areas.”

In this respect, the Assam Government counsel said: “The recommendations given by various committees on the dam should be taken care of.”