MLA Akhil Gogoi blames Arunachal hydropower projects for flood crisis in Assam

Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday, July 8 alleged that large hydropower projects under construction in Arunachal Pradesh are contributing to the worsening flood and erosion situation in Assam, claiming that sudden releases of water from the dams are aggravating the state's annual flood crisis.

Addressing media during the ongoing Budget Session at the Assam Legislative Assembly, Gogoi said his party and several civil society groups had opposed the hydropower projects for nearly seven years through protests and public movements, following which the work had remained stalled for a considerable period.

He alleged that construction activities resumed after the BJP came to power and expressed concern over the impact of the projects on downstream areas of Assam.

"As these dams are being built, sudden releases of water are, in our view, worsening floods and erosion in Assam, particularly in the upper and lower parts of the state," Gogoi said.

The Raijor Dal legislator maintained that unregulated releases of water from the hydropower projects have intensified the flood situation and erosion in several parts of the state.

The BJP or the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh did not immediately respond to Gogoi's allegations.