NEW DELHI, July 9 – Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today called for review of the policy on construction of mega dams upstream on the Brahmaputra river. Making a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha here this afternoon, Biren Baishya claimed that the Brahmaputra valley civilisation was under threat due to the construction of big river dams in neighbouring States and Bhutan.
Due to the release of the excess water from Karishu dam of Bhutan led to flash flood in the Nalbari, Rangiya, Baska and Barpeta districts of Assam. Similarly, release of excess water from the Ranganadi dam was responsible flash flood in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts.
Now inter-State dam project like the Lower Subansiri Hydro-electric Project has posed a threat to Assam and North Eastern region. The proposed dam site is 2.3 km upstream of Gerukamukh village of Dhemaji district. The 116 meter high dam would submerge 3436 hectares of forest and important biodiversity spot.
As the area is an elephant corridor, the dam site would block their movement and submerged area is the habitat of many endangered animals, including the river dolphin.
“We are not opposed to the construction of dams for generation of power. But we are opposed to the destruction of natural wealth of Assam,” he said.
The Government of India should undertake the project for establishing the Dolphin Sanctuary in the lower reaches of Subansiri river system.
“It is the duty of Government of India to protect life, property and natural wealth of the Assam and the North Eastern region,” he pleaded.
Social Plugin