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‘Athirappilly project will not displace tribespeople’

Chalakudy (Thrissur): Electricity Minister A.K. Balan said here on Saturday that the proposed Athirappilly hydel

project would not displace tribespeople.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) gave the green signal for the 163-MW hydel project on July 18. Environmentalists alleged that the project would destroy forest land that is home to rare flora and fauna, displace tribespeople and inflict damage on the vital elephant corridor between the Parambikulam sanctuary, Pooyamkutty forests and the Athirappilly waterfalls.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the Minister said the environmental clearance from the Union Ministry was subject to 25 conditions. “The Ministry can intervene if the conditions are not fulfilled. Environmentalists too can assess the project during its implementation. A review committee will be formed.”

The Minister termed the allegations of environmentalists baseless. “They are causing panic alleging tribal displacement. I reiterate that tribespeople would not be displaced. The Government will also implement a tribal welfare project at Pokalapara. Water level in Athirappilly will not come down. I am still open for a discussion with environmentalists. The Government will invite fresh tenders for the project.”

Later, inaugurating the Athirappilly Hydel Tourism Circuit and electrification of the Peringalkuthu Adivasi Colony, the Minister said the notion that the State did not need more electricity was wrong. “I am ready to join anyone to bomb the proposed Athirappilly dam if the water level (in Athirappilly) comes down,” he said.

Activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party shouted slogans when the Minister arrived in Athirappilly in the morning. They burnt Mr. Balan in effigy there.

Members of the Chalakudy River Protection Forum waved black flags at the Minister. The Forum, which had campaigned against the project, alleged that it was not invited to a seminar on the Athirappilly project, organised by the Chalakudy unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), on Saturday.

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‘Athirappilly project will not displace tribespeople’

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