Proposals for constructing 168 mega dams for hydro-electric power generation in the North-East have run into troubled waters with Assam governor and chief minister opposing their construction, citing possible destruction of the fragile environment in the region.
Agitated over the recent flood in Assam's Lakhimpur district caused by the release of excess water by NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd) in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, Governor Shiv Charan Mathur and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi have expressed their reservations against such dams.
"I am opposed to the idea of mega dams but favour small ones to meet power requirements," Mathur had said recently. Echoing a similar view, Gogoi said mega dams would cause destruction of forests.
"Moreover, the threat of global warming is looming large over the earth and this will lead to more floods and droughts. We therefore need to evolve an alternative to meet energy demands," he said.
The state government has constituted an expert committee to assess the threat posed by mega dams and suggest alternative measures for power generation.
The northeast has been identified as India's 'future powerhouse' and 168 large dams of a cumulative capacity of 63,328 Mw are proposed.