The Hindu : Kerala News : Pathrakkadavu project: fresh hearing demanded

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 23, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Pathrakkadavu project: fresh hearing demanded

By Our Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE, MAY 22. Environmental organisations here have criticised the manner in which the public hearing on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the proposed Rs. 462 crores Pathrakkadavu Hydel Project across the Kunthi River less than 500 metres downstream of Silent Valley National Park was conducted at Mannarkkad on May 21.

At a press conference here today, A. Achyuthan, president, Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), Kozhikode, M. Radhakrishnan Nair, secretary, Society for Protection of Environment, Kerala, Sivan Madathil, Society for Protection of Human Rights, Kerala, I.G. Bhaskara Panicker, KSSP, and the social activist, Theruvath Raman, demanded that the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the Government conduct a fresh hearing in a conducive manner.

They said what happened at the May 21 hearing was a clear violation of the Environment Act of 1986, and an infringement on the right of the citizen to express his/her views on a project likely to have an environmental impact.

They alleged that it was an attempt to reopen the Silent Valley Hydel Project.

The organisations condemned the treatment meted out to the noted environmentalists, Sugatha Kumari, at the hearing despite the presence of the district authorities.

The entire proceedings were carried out in an emotionally charged atmosphere, instead of being conducted in a scientific manner.

The sentiments of the people were curbed, and the Pollution Control Board had failed in its responsibility. On the technical aspects of the project, Dr. Achyuthan said though the project was outside the Silent Valley National Park, it would have grave and damaging impact. The cost-benefit ratio too was not viable.

The calculated loss due to submergence of forests was much more than what was being made out.

He questioned why a private agency was asked to prepare the report.

What was the hurry in implementing the Pathrakkadavu project when so many hydel projects in Kerala were yet to be completed or were abandoned?

The organisations would take a strong stance on the issue, including initiating legal proceedings.

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