22 organizations in Assam have strictly asked for the launch of a joint movement which will be against the mega 2,000 MW capacity hydropower project being. As per the sources, the project was started on September 20 by the NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) along with the border between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
22 organizations decided to launch series of protests
On Monday, more than 22 organizations have decided to launch a series of protests which will include a blockade of the project site, against the NHPC, said Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) leader, Palash Changmai.
Threats to downstre
On Saturday, various experts organized a public meeting that included hydrologists and geologists who highlighted a threat to downstream areas of the Subansiri river, Said Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) leader. Palash Changmai also said to work on the project which was stopped without consultation of 965 villages across four districts downstream of the hydroelectric project.
The districts joining eastern Assam to Arunachal Pradesh include Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, and Majuli. The 22 organizations opposing the mega power plant, include the influential All Assam Students’ Union and All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association whose leaders were seen attending the Saturday meeting.
Commissioning of the 2,000 MW
In 2006 the commissioning of the 2,000 MW (8×250 MW) Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric project at Gerukamukh started. In 2011 The work had been stopped after following agitations fearing loss of livelihood and ecological damage.
The construction of the Rs 20,000 crore power project was resumed a year ago during the Covid-19 situation. The NHPC has suffered huge losses because of the delay in completion,
“We have decided on a string of protests including blockade of the project site against the NHPC from September 20. So far, 22 organizations have expressed support,” Asom Jatiyabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) leader Palash Changmai said.
