Assam will soon constitute an expert committee to study the feasibility of construction of mega dams in upper reaches of river Brahmaputra. The decision was taken at yesterday’s 7 hour long meeting between group of ministers (GoM), constituted by the state government to look into the issues related to the construction of 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Project (LSHEP), and representatives of groups and organisations opposing LSHEP. However, the state government clarified to the protesting groups that neither it had the authority to ask for a halt in the construction of LSHEP temporarily, nor was it in favour of such decision.
In the next meeting of GoM and representatives of protesting groups on January 14, experts on mega dams will also be present. The decision to constitute a new expert committee, which would primarily look into the concerns raised by the civil society, was a consensual decision of the state government and the groups.
“We had good discussion with all the groups and organisations. Both the sides have put forward their views and concerns. They have demanded formation of a new expert committee and we are also in its favour. We hope we can successfully address their concerns in upcoming meetings,” said Pradyut Bordoloi, Assam’s power minister and also chairman of the GoM.