CM Himanta assured us of study on downstream impact: All Assam Students' Union

LOWER SUBANSIRI PROJECT

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The AASU (All Assam Students' Union) today said that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa assured them that he would ensure a study on the downstream impact of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP). In its talks with the Chief Minister, the AASU delegation raised the issue of LSHP after the discussion on the Assam Accord. The students' body also submitted a separate memorandum on big dams to the Chief Minister.

Talking to The Sentinel, AASU president Dipanka Kumar Nath said, "We did oppose big dams, and we are opposing them still now. If any hydroelectric project comes up upstream, it should be none other than a multi-purpose one, including the NHPC project at Gerukamukh. However, no such project should come up without any scientific study on the downstream impact in the future.

"A project meant for power generation will serve only one purpose – that is power. A multi-purpose project serves us in various other ways – irrigation, flood control etc. The LSHP should also be a multi-purpose one.

"Big dams always pose a threat to the people living downstream. And the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project is no exception. Only a right scientific study on the downstream impact can dispel such threats from the people. The Chief Minister assured us of ensuring a scientific study on the downstream impact of the LSHP. The Chief Minister informed us that LSHP is inching towards completion slowly."

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