Rijiju objects to Assam Governor, CM's remarks on dams

Itanagar, Jul 15 (UNI) Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh Kiren Rijiju has raised objections against the recent remarks of Assam Governor Shiv Charan Mathur and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on dams, saying that their statements were ''bereft of facts and reality.'' On Mr Gogoi's observation that release of water from Ranganadi Hydro Project had caused severe floods in Assam's Lakhimpur district recently, the MP in a statement, asserted that the water of Ranganadi had been diverted towards Dikrong River through the Hoj Power House tunnel, which, he claimed in fact mitigated floods in Assam.

The BJP MP emphasised that the Assam government should join hands with Arunachal in demanding the Centre to declare floods in the North East as National Calamity instead of ''passing remarks that do not go down well with the people.'' ''If the Centre does not understand the intensity of the problem the whole of Assam Valley is in danger of floods as the water cannot be stopped within Arunachal,'' he said while suggesting proper dredging and channeling of the Brahmaputra basin and its tributaries.

Mr Rijiju also advocated that instead of voicing protests against hydro projects in Arunachal, which are National projects, the Assam Chief Minister and Governor should raise voice for sustainable approach towards environmental issues, relief and rehabilitation processes and benefits to the local populace.

The MP also urged power developing agencies to make better provisions while constructing dams so that water could be regulated for minimum impact on downstream areas.

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