AASU expresses strong reaction over NHPC's 'arrogant' attitude

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has expressed strong reaction over NHPC's 'arrogant' declaration regarding commissioning the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP) by March, 2022. In this regard, AASU organizing secretaryPulok Borah and State executive member DhanmoniDutta criticized the NHPC CMD AK Singh and Union Secretary (Power) SanjivNandanSahai in strong terms for their stand taken in favour of the dam project while ignoring the public-organizational stirs initiated against it for years.

Notably, NHPC CMD (Commissioner & Managing Director), AK Singh, on Friday, gave assurance to the Union Secretary (Power) that the SLHEP would be commissioned by March 2022. This assurance was given to him at a review meeting of the project held at the project site at Gerukamukh with a Central team led by SanjibNandanSahai. In the meeting, NHPC CMD Singh briefed the dignitaries about the various construction activities in the project and also the downstream river protection works undertaken. The Union Secretary (Power) also asked the employees to work with maximum zeal to complete the project as per schedule. Regarding the development, news got published in various newspapers of the State.

In this connection, Pulok Borah and DhanmoniDutta said that the SLHEP, which is being construction in a highly seismic zone, would not be allowed to be commissioned without securing the life and properties of the people living in the downstream area of the River Subansiri covering Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Majuli up to Biswanath district.

"NHPC CMD AK Singh has made the declaration turning his back to the problems of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts and the people's fear and apprehensions regarding the project. Similarly, the Union Secretary (Power) has also advised the NHPC employees to work with maximum zeal to complete the project as per schedule without having knowledge about the sensitive issue of the both districts. We want to ask him, did he know about the collapse of guard walls at the project site which happened due to rain in the last rainy season?" DhanmoniDutta said.

Further, Pulok Borah and DhanmoniDutta slammed the BJP-led Union and State governments for their 'obstinate' attitude to complete the project, taking a U-turn from their past stand without convincing the people of the districts regarding the issue.

"When the BJP was not in power, the party opposed the construction of the project. Then BJP central president Rajnath Singh was vocal against the project at a public meeting held at Gogamukh. Now why have both governments supported the project?" they asked.

In this connection, the AASU dignitaries criticized Lakhimpur MLA UtpalDutta, Naoboicha MLA ImdadulHaqueChoudhury, Bihpuriya MLA DebanandaHazarika, Dhakuakhana MLA-cum-State P&RD Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Dhemaji MLA Dr. Ranoj Kumar Pegu and Lakhimpur MP PradanBaruah for their silent attitude regarding the issue.

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