Strong opposition to controversial Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lakhimpur

AJYCP to initiate comprehensive blockade against NHPC Limited

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The AJYCP (Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad) will resort to strong agitational programmes opposing the contentious Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHP) from September 21. From that day, the activists of the organization, with the help of the public, will stage comprehensive blockade against National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited, the constructing organization of the mega river dam project, which is projected to generate 2000 Mega Watt (MG) electricity after completion.

Notably, AJYCP has been opposing the construction of the SLHP which has been allegedly set up in fragile hilly area of Gerukamukh under a Highly Seismic Zone in Assam-Arunachal border area belonging to Dhemaji district of North Assam. Though the SLHP will produce 2000MG electricity, Assam will reportedly get only 25MG power from the operating organization NHPC Limited. On the contrary, the four districts of North Assam, according to the anti-big river dam activist organizations, have to bear the fear of catastrophe to be caused by the mega hydroelectric project in future.

AJYCP has initiated the agitational programmes as per decision taken in the public meeting held in Guwahati on September 11, wherein various experts, including geologists and hydrologists, had highlighted a threat to downstream areas of the Subansiri River. The AJYCP leaders expressed that the construction work of the project had been resumed without consulting 965 villages across four districts of North Assam in the downstream of the Subansiri River.

In connection with the proposed stir, AJYCP general secretary Polash Changmai said, "With the help of the governments, NHPC Limited has completed 70 per cent construction of the SLHP taking advantage of the sliding of the anti-big river dam agitation during the COVID-19 induced lockdown by violating all the treaties inked among the anti-big river dam organizations, governments and NHPC. It is the treachery on the part of NHPC Limited and the people under an extensive area under North Assam have to spend their days in fear.

Under such circumstances, it is necessary to lead the anti-big river dam agitation ahead strongly for the sake of the security of the life and properties of the people living in the downstream area of Subansiri River covering Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli and Biswanath district.

In view of the proposed agitational, blockade programme, Sumit Sattawan, the Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, has detailed a total of seven magistrates across the district to maintain the law and order by issuing an order vide No. LMJ.4/2018/121 dated 18/09/2021. According to the order, the executive Magistrates has been designated to maintain the law and order in their respective revenue circle areas in connection with the agitational programmes.

Also Read: Stir against SLHP: Signature campaign by AJYCP underway in Assam

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