Dams for doom in NE: experts

Guwahati, Jun 8 (UNI) Power generation in North East is more about generating 'political' power, rather than 'electrical' power, with the welfare of the region 'compromised' at the altar of the nation's growth.

The numerous dams sanctioned in NE, identifying the region as the nation's 'power house', would not only affect the environment and socio-cultural pattern of the region, but also pose great threat to the very existence of the region.

This was the crux of the consultation held on 'Large Dams in NE: People, Power and Policy', participated in by four noted persons on the issue and other experts.

The consultation was organised here yesterday by the North East Policy Group, in association with Panos South Asia and supported by North East Forum for Promotion of Education and Research.

Eastern region bureau chief of the BBC Subir Bhowmick maintained that the dams in NE were more for gaining 'political' power than for 'electrical' power.

He said, ''People do not matter in formulating policies as long the politicians can get their ends.'' Besides the dangers involved if the dams collapse due to natural causes, like earthquakes, NE being in the highest seismic zone, or storms, the dams would also be possible military targets in case of hostilities with China, he pointed out He cited the instance when HMT was not allowed to set up a watch-making factory in West Bengal due to proximity with then-East Pakistan.

''But these big dams are being sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh and in case of war with China, the dams would be logical targets,'' Mr Bhowmick maintained.

The senior journalist further highlighted that of the 10 per cent GDP growth the nation sought to achieve, the power plants in NE being a part of the plan to achieve it, the NE stood to gain nothing.

He said, ''Resource sharing is highly inequitable and the region would possibly only lose if the dams construction went ahead as proposed.'' He criticised the politicians of the region for lacking the guts to raise the concerns of the people of the region at the Centre.

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