Kerala - Thrissur   

Implement Athirappilly project: AITUC

Thrissur: All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) State general secretary Kanam Rajendran has said the proposed 163-MW Athirappilly hydroelectric project should be implemented with necessary changes.

He was addressing a joint convention organised by the AITUC, the Kerala Electricity Workers' Federation and the Kerala Electricity Officers' Federation here on Friday to press for the project.

‘‘The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government should not be adamant on the current project proposal. It should be ensured that the proposed construction creates minimum environmental impact. Comprehensive discussions are needed to arrive at a consensus. Environmentalists should see reason. They should be receptive to other points of view. They should approach environmental protection issues keeping in mind human development needs,'' he said.

He said the Union government's lukewarm attitude to the project indicated its privatisation moves. ‘‘The Centre wants to privatise the power sector. Even in the State, there are Ministers who favour public-private partnership in development which is an outcome of neo-liberal policies,'' Mr. Rajendran said.

‘‘The trade union cannot ignore the State's increasing power needs. Power shortage will affect overall development and the workers,'' he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Avoid sensationalism: Mammootty
Implement Athirappilly project: AITUC
Dharna held at health varsity

Copyright © 2010, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu