MPs allege violation of norms in power project

Itanagar, Mar 16 (UNI) Lok Sabha MPs from Arunachal Kiren Rijiju and Tapir Gao have opposed the proposed shifting of dam site of the 1600 MW Lower Siang Project by J P Associate Limited (JPAL), apprehending submergence of agricultural land in many villages of East Siang district.

The MPs, in a letter to Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the project by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) was handed over to JPAL, which had decided to shift the original location of the dam downstream at the confluence of Yamne River to increase the power potential from 1600 MW to 2000 MW, instead of the site identified by the Central Electricity Authority.

''The fixation of dam site upstream of the Yamne River was to avert submergence of Pongging, Jera and Sille villages and their cultivable fields in low lying areas along the bank of Yamne and Siang rivers,'' they added.

Pointing out that development should not be at the cost of the people's welfare, they urged the Minister to look into the matter and issue necessary directives.

On the state government's signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with JPAL for the execution of the said project, the MPs said after the departure of the Brahmaputra Board from the scene, the NHPC was allowed to carry out the survey and investigation of the said project but surprisingly, the government had entered into an MoA with JPAL for the same project.

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