(a) whether the construction work on some of the Hydro Dams proposed to
be constructed in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is being opposed;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether a committee has been constituted to look into the matter; and
(d) if so, the details of recommendation of Committee and the follow-up
action taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER(SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL)
(a) to (d) : As on date, three Hydro-electric Projects (above 25 MW) viz.
Lower Subansiri (2000 MW), Kameng (600 MW) and Pare (110 MW) are under
construction in the States of Arunachal Pradesh/Assam. Government of Assam
(GoA) has expressed concerns about the adverse downstream impact and
other aspects of the Lower Subansiri HEP (2000 MW). On the request of GoA,
NHPC constituted an Expert Group consisting of experts from IIT, Guwahati,
Gauhati University and Dibrungarh University to study the downstream impact
of this project. The Expert Group submitted its draft report in June, 2010 and
final report on 03.03.2011. Based on the concerns expressed by GoA regarding
structural safety of the dam, Planning Commission has recently appointed a
two Member Technical Experts Committee. GoA has been requested to
indicate the names of their nominees for the Steering Group to be constituted
by NHPC to address the issues relating to downstream impact. GoA has
recently nominated Secretary, Water Resources Department, GoA as their
nominee.