Assam Public Works Approaches SC with Alternative Dam Proposal Challenging NGT Order

Guwahati, August 21, 2019:

In consideration to the safety of people living downstream, the work of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), the Big Dam was held up since December 2011 due to people’s protests and a stay order of the NGT. The work was stopped by NHPC in December 2011 due to massive protests by the people of Assam against this big dam.

Following this, a petition was filed by Assam Public Works (APW) chief Aabhijeet Sharma (Case No. 346/2013) raising the issue of automatic release of adequate water for survival of the endangered dolphins and other biota and subsequently the issue of safety of the dam itself, based on Assam Expert Group’s report in POC and other studies in the context of the dam being located in the highest seismicity zone, weak supporting rock foundation etc.

The petitioner has sought the scrapping of the dam in its present format due to safety and security considerations.

Also Read : Centre Asks Assam Government to Reopen Toll Gates

However, Sharma has given an Alternative Dam proposal (ADP) of a true Run of the River Project, as prepared by his Consultant Pradip Bhuyan (famous as the 'the father of the Assam NRC'), utilizing the present level of construction of the dam, intake structure, powerhouse, etc. According to the proposal, this can replace the present format of the Dam as a Peaking Hydro Electric Project that holds up water for 20 hours or so in lean months to generate peak load power in 4 hours, destroying the ecology, environment downstream of the dam completely. Also, as a peaking HEP, it is a big dam in a highly seismic zone.

It is to be mentioned that the NGT, Eastern Zone in its judgment of October 16, 2017, has directed basically the following to MoEFCC. As per the directions of the NGT, it is asked to constitute a Committee of three- experts who may be private individuals or from Institutions of repute; - it can be a combination of both the categories provided one of such members selected from the North-Eastern region. The committee shall technically examine the report of various committees including the one submitted by both groups of P.O.C.

It was directed that the Committee shall technically examine the Alternative Proposal submitted by the petitioner and consider its feasibility. It may further seek the assistance of independent experts on the hydel project and also be at liberty to obtain a view of national and international experts or both.

The judgment nudged towards the serious study of the Alternative Dam Proposal of Pradip Kumar Bhuyan, Senior Engineer, who filed it on behalf of the petitioner. The Alternative Dam Proposal suggests the construction of a true run of the river project retaining the present level of construction of N.H.P.C., by converting the project from a peaking HEP to a naturally flowing baseload HEP.

However, on August 31, 2018, the NGT dismissed the appeal in the petition challenging the constitution of the Committee. “As a result of this, we approached the Supreme Court. We have no objection to the production of power, but the flow of water should not be stopped,” Sharma added.

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