The 2,000-MW Lower Subansiri Hydro Power project, being implemented by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) is scheduled for completion in 2012.
However, the expert committee recommendations for total moratorium on the ongoing project had caught both the State Government and the power developing agency in a spot.
An eight-member expert committee, constituted last year jointly by the Department of Power, Assam, NHPC and All Assam Students' Union (AASU), found 'gross inadequacy' in matters of design of the mega dam as well as its construction at the present site.
The panel noted with great concern that the selected site for the mega dam of the present dimension "was not appropriate in such a geologically and seismologically sensitive location." Moreover, it pointed out, even the seismic design parameter had not been "properly chosen" for the project, and therefore, suggested that the dam should not be built on the present site at Gerukamukh.
The panel also recommended that the entire project was "redesigned" with sufficient reduction in dam height and production (power generation) capacity to minimize adverse economic (livelihood) and environmental impacts.
The expert group, drawn from the IIT-Guwahati and Gauhati and Dibrugarh Universities, was set up last year to study the downstream impact of the ongoing Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power project.
The expert group report, which was submitted to the State Government, triggered off instant reactions with various environmentalist groups, AASU and Opposition political parties demanding immediate halt of project work.
They have also urged the Tarun Gogoi Government to pay heed to expert panel report and take up the people's concerns with the Prime Minister.
AASU on Monday threatened the state Government with agitation if Gogoi failed to act upon the report.
Chief Minister Gogoi meanwhile said he would send the expert panel report to the concerned Central Ministry for review, which had angered AASU and other civil society organisations.
"It's surprising that instead of acting on the report, the Gogoi Government has decided to get it further examined by the central Government. That shows that the State Government has little faith and confidence in its own experts," said an AASU spokesman. "If that is what Gogoi thinks of local expertise, why has the Government then set up such a panel?" the Union asked.
The issue is likely to hot up in the coming weeks, especially when the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly convenes next Monday.
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