Guwahati, July 17 : The Assembly today decided to constitute a House committee to carry out a comprehensive study of the downstream effect of all proposed dams to be constructed for hydro-electric projects in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra water system.
The state government has already moved the Centre for a proper scientific assessment of the impact of the projects, but not satisfied with the step, members cutting across party line insisted that given the seriousness of the issue, a House committee should examine the matter.
The legislators expressed apprehension that there could be a devastating impact of the proposed projects on the lives of the people as well as on the ecology in the catchment areas.
They were concerned as there have been instances of flash floods in downstream habitations of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Baksa and Barpeta districts caused by the sudden discharge of surplus water in the power projects set up in Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
Power minister Pradyut Bordoloi, sharing the concern of the members, said even if there was no impact downstream from individual projects, there could be cumulative effects of all hydel projects in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra water system.
He said the state government has asked the Central Electricity Authority to conduct the comprehensive study.
Addressing concerns expressed about the impact on Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts by the under-construction Lower Subansiri hydel power project in Arunachal Pradesh, Bordoloi said a committee constituted by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation in its preliminary report suggested halting of further construction on the dam. He said certain investigations would be carried out and accordingly, the state government has forwarded the report to the Centre for necessary action.
Not satisfied with the minister’s reply, legislators, including those on the treasury benches insisted that a House committee should be formed to examine the impact of the dams being constructed in the state.
At this, the minister said he would welcome formation of any such committee to study the impact.
There had been largescale protests by local NGOs and environmentalists over the construction of a dam for the hydel project.
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