Against the backdrop of widespread opposition to construction of hydro power projects in neighboring state of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam on Wednesday demanded formation of North East Water Resource Authority as an independent body to monitor the development of all such projects, particularly in the upper reaches of river Brahmaputra.
Assam has also come up with few suggestions which the state wants to be adhered to while implementing hydro power projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
Assam’s power minister Mr Pradyut Bordoloi said that “We need hydro power projects to meet the fast growing power demands of both the region and the country, but there must be an independent body to monitor construction and development of such projects. We want NEWRA be set up soon.”
He added that Assam had been demanding formation of NEWRA since 2005, but due to opposition from Arunachal Pradesh, the proposed body could not be established yet.
Mr Bordoloi added that “I feel the reason why Arunachal Pradesh opposes the setting up of NEWRA is that it feels it would be at a disadvantages position if NEWRA comes up. But then, Assam also has a future and we cannot compromise on it.”
Mr Bordoloi said that the interest of Assam should not be by-passed while constructing mega-hydro power projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The state has demanded that rules be amended and clearances to hydro-power projects in Arunachal Pradesh, which would affect downstream areas in Assam, be given only after obtaining no-objection certificate from Assam government.
He added that “The central government should disclose us all the details regarding construction of every project in Arunachal Pradesh before giving its approval. Since, downstream areas in Assam could be affected by those projects, Assam should have a say in construction of those projects.”
Assam also demanded that Reservoir Regulation Policy be made mandatory for all hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh, by which every dam will have maintain a minimum flow of water in downstream areas. In addition, the Assam has also demanded that the present power sharing policy be amended to allow giving free power to downstream areas of a dam.
(Sourced from BS)
