AJYP demands closure of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

LAKHIMPUR: Strong agitation programme opposing the construction of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHP) continued in Lakhimpur district in the wake of the collapse of two guard walls of Subansiri dam being constructed at Gerukamukh within a period of fifteen days due to the impact of rain and landslide.

The activists of the North Lakhimpur regional unit Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad (AJYP), led by president Manoj Kalita and general secretary in-charge Pankaj Hazarika, burnt the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and NHPC in North Lakhimpur town on Friday demanding the immediate closure of the big river dam which is projected of generating 2000-MW electricity. While staging the protest programme, president of the organization Manoj Kalita came down heavily against the NHPC, BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the State. He said that the collapse of two guard walls at Lower Subansiri dam site within a period of fifteen days due to heavy rain before the onset of rainy season had justified the apprehension of possible disaster to be caused by the SLHP in future in the downstream area of the River Subansiri.

Regarding the construction of the project, he demanded for the implementation of the suggestions of the Expert Committee, National Green Tribunal, Supreme Court and Environment Clearance Report. He vehemently condemned the NHPC for continuing of constructing work of the mega dam project turning deaf year to the directives served by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal and ignoring the agitation of anti-big dam activist organizations.

Regarding the issue, he also criticised Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi for patronizing the mega dam project taking U-turn from their past promises of closing the same. He demanded them to ensure the life and properties of the people living in the downstream area of the Subansiri River. In addition to him secretary in-charge Pankaj Hazarika, finance secretary Mridupaban Borkataki also became vocal against NHPC, and BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the State regarding the issue. The dignitaries and activists of Azad, Naharpukhuri, Gharmora branch committees took part in the protest programme.

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