APCC terms Asom's Guv's comment as 'anti-development'

Itanagar, Jul 11 (UNI) The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has criticised Assam Governor Shiv Charan Mathur's comments over construction of hydro power projects in NE, particularly in this state, and termed it as "anti-development." Mr Mathur, in his maiden address to the media after assuming charge, had opposed construction of big dams in the North East, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, which, he said had been triggering floods in Assam.

APCC general secretary T C Tok said, the governor should refrain from making such comments without knowing the details of the ongoing projects. The remarks had hurt the sentiment of the state's people, he said.

The state is known as future powerhouse of the nation for its huge hydropower resources and the government has taken steps to tap this enormous potential in national interest, he said.

''If the Governor has any reservation about the projects, some of which are on various stages of implementation, he should take up the matter with the state government instead of going public apprehending that it may create ill-feelings between the people of two neighbouring states,'' Mr. Tok added.

The governor's remarks reportedly gave an indication that he was against the development of Northeast, including Arunachal, the party observed.

The projects,big or small but within the territory of Arunachal Pradesh, are being commissioned by renowned public sector undertakings like NHPC, NEEPCO whose records on construction of power projects need no comments, he clarified.

''Taking into cognizance all environmental impacts concerning the construction of dams, the central government has cleared the projects for the state,'' Mr Tok said adding, once these were executed, it would not only serve the purpose of the state but also supplement the need of the entire region as well as the country, he added.

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