Doubts raised over generation of 163MW power
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KOCHI: Green activists have come out against the recommendation of the expert committee appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change to permit the Athirapilly hydroelectric project in Chalakudy river.
A meeting of the green group, Kerala Tree Protection Council, held here on Tuesday protested against the recommendation. The meeting observed that the project would result in drinking water scarcity and agricultural loss in the lower reaches of the Chalakudy river, besides other negative impact on the catchment area of the river.
The meeting was presided over by C. R. Neelakantan, president of the council. “The project is for producing 163 megawatt power during peak load hours. Hence there will be no water flow at the famed Athirapilly waterfalls during day time. It will also affect the natural habitats of elephants and result in loss of the rich biodiversity of the catchment area apart from the loss of livelihood of the tribal people,” it has been observed.
Mr Harish Vasudevan, vice-president of the organisation, expressed apprehensions over the massive destruction to be caused to the dense forest of the catchment areas. Dr C.M. Joy, secretary of the council, remarked that the project was based on false data and that there are doubts over the generation of 163 megawatt power from the project. The meeting decided to oppose the project and work in coordination with similar green organizations against the proposal.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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