Assam Wants Independent Body To Monitor Hydro Power Projects in Northeast

By Supratim Dey

Guwahati Dec 15 : Against the backdrop of widespread opposition to construction of hydro power projects in neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam on Wednesday demanded formation of North East Water Resource Authority (NEWRA) as an independent body to monitor the development of all such projects, particularly in the upper reaches of river Brahmaputra.

Assam has also come up with few suggestions which the state wants to be adhered to while implementing hydro power projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

“We need hydro power projects to meet the fast growing power demands of both the region and the country, but there must be an independent body to monitor construction and development of such projects. We want NEWRA be set up soon,” said Assam’s power minister Pradyut Bordoloi.

He added that Assam had been demanding formation of NEWRA since 2005, but due to opposition from Arunachal Pradesh, the proposed body could not be established yet.

“I feel the reason why Arunachal Pradesh opposes the setting up of NEWRA is that it feels it would be at a disadvantages position if NEWRA comes up. But then, Assam also has a future and we cannot compromise on it,” Bordoloi added.

Bordoloi said that the interest of Assam should not be by-passed while constructing mega-hydro power projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The state has demanded that rules be amended and clearances to hydro-power projects in Arunachal Pradesh, which would affect downstream areas in Assam, be given only after obtaining no-objection certificate (NOC) from Assam government.

“The central government should disclose us all the details regarding construction of every project in Arunachal Pradesh before giving its approval. Since, downstream areas in Assam could be affected by those projects, Assam should have a say in construction of those projects,” said Bordoloi.

Assam also demanded that Reservoir Regulation Policy (RRP) be made mandatory for all hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh, by which every dam will have maintain a minimum flow of water in downstream areas. In addition, the Assam has also demanded that the present power sharing policy be amended to allow giving free power to downstream areas of a dam.

Bordoloi also cautioned Arunachal Pradesh that if Assam’s demands were not met, the state would take recourse to Inter State River Water Dispute Act, 1956, though the minister chose not elaborate on it.