As construction of mega dams in Arunachal Pradesh is viewed as a threat to downstream Assam, the Assam government has asked the Centre that the state be consulted before execution of any hydro power project in the neighbouring state in future.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and took up the issue of hydro power project construction in Arunachal Pradesh.
"We urge that all hydro electric projects be taken up only after consideration of dam safety, flood moderation and downstream impact mitigation measures in consultation with government of Assam," said Gogoi to the Prime Minister.
There prevails a strong anti-mega dam sentiment amongst the common masses in Assam. The perceived fear of destruction that might come in the form of flash floods, especially during earthquakes as the region falls under a high seismic zone.
The 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Project, which is being implemented by NHPC Ltd., is under suspension since 2011 after anti-dam activists lay a siege of the dam site and imposed a road blockade.
The Arunachal Pradesh government had signed around 150 memorandums of understanding (MoU) with various private and public companies for implementation of hydro power projects in the state. As per estimates, the state has the potential to generate around 50,000 MW of hydro power.
On the Lower Subansiri Project, Gogoi said that the Assam government had all along emphasised on dam safety measures and downstream impact of the project.
"Our view is that all dam safety concerns, including environmental and downstream issues have to be resolved by taking into confidence all the stakeholders so that there is no adverse effect on the people and the state of Assam," he added.
Assam being severely a power-deficit state, Gogoi has requested the Prime Minister for allocation of the entire quantum of power from 750MW Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project, which is being implemented by NTPC Ltd, to Assam. Gogoi also called for increased power access corridor to the region by increasing the minimum Availability Transfer Capacity for short term open access, round the clock to at least 400 MW on a permanent basis.
The Chief Minister urged the Modi for making available power generated in Sikkim and Bhutan to North-Eastern region and 50 per cent of power from Monarchak thermal power plant, being implemented by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited(NEEPCO), in Tripura to Assam. The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister for coal linkage of 1.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) from North-Eastern Coalfields Ltd for the proposed 500 MW Margherita Thermal Power Project in Assam.
Further, giving a detailed account on the flood and erosion problem in the State, Gogoi advocated for a new institutional mechanism that could ensure "equitable, efficient and sustainable development" of water resources of North-Eastern region through effective planning, regulation, coordination and implementation. The Chief Minister pleaded with the Prime Minister for recognising flood and erosion problem of the Assam as of national importance.
"We trust that under your leadership, the flood and erosion problem would receive the attention it deserves. We urge that mitigation of flood and erosion in Assam be recognised as an integral component of the National Flood Management Program," Gogoi said.Gogoi also sought Centre's support to Assam government's initiative to draw up a comprehensive flood, erosion and river management plan with World Bank Assistance.
