Assam: CPI Urges Halt to Subansiri Hydroelectric Project

GUWAHATI: In a recent development, the Tinsukia district council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Assam, on November 7, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging an immediate halt to the construction of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP).

The CPI conveyed its concerns to PM Modi through the Tinsukia district commissioner in Assam, highlighting the controversial project's detrimental impacts on the environment and the local population. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), under the Indian government, initiated the construction of large dams on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh with the primary objective of generating electricity. Despite extensive protests by the people of Assam, NHPC continued the construction work.

One of the key grievances raised by the CPI is related to a recent incident where the NHPC reported the closure of a diversion tunnel due to a landslide on October 27, 2023. Consequently, the NHPC unexpectedly accumulated water in the dam, resulting in the drying up of the river's downstream areas. This has led to significant damage to the communities residing in the southern part of the river and has had adverse effects on the region's biodiversity.

Meanwhile, the Assam State Council of CPI has called upon the central government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of dam construction by forming an expert committee. The party emphasizes the need for a more sustainable and multi-faceted approach to dam planning, aiming to ensure public safety and preserve biodiversity in the region.

Furthermore, the CPI firmly demanded an immediate cessation of the dam construction due to its potentially disastrous impact on the lives of people in the lower regions of Assam.

The CPI's memorandum to PM Modi also highlighted the pressing issue of soaring prices of consumer goods, particularly essential food items. The party urged the government to take measures to reduce the cost of goods and ensure the availability of essential commodities through affordable outlets.

In addition to their concerns about the hydroelectric project and rising consumer prices, the CPI voiced their dissatisfaction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had promised to establish a corruption-free government in Assam. The CPI alleged that the current government has failed to address corruption issues, citing numerous allegations against the government and even the Chief Minister's family. These allegations encompass a range of scandals, including a land purchase scam linked to the Chief Minister's wife, a land classification scam, a 10 crore subsidy scam, and a resort purchase scandal.

Ranjan Chowdhury, the secretary of the Tinsukia district council of CPI, also raised concerns about rampant illegal coal mining openly taking place in Tinsukia district, facilitated by an illegal coal syndicate with connections to ruling class leaders. In response, the CPI has called for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Government to take appropriate actions against those involved in these activities.

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