The stalled 2,000 MW lower Subansiri Hydroelectric power project is likely to get a new lease of life with the Centre agreeing to modify the design of the dam as advised by an independent panel, which had reviewed the whole issue.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said this while interacting with the Press here on Thursday and added that the Central Government had also decided to give another 300 MW of additional unallocated power in addition to the already allocated 208 MW of paid and 25 MW of free power to the State from the project.
“As per the recommendations of Thatte Committee, an independent Dam Design Review Panel (DDRP) was formed. It has proposed some additional safety measures in the construction of the dam. Now, NHPC has been asked to modify the design of the dam,” Gogoi said adding that the expert panel came up with the recommendations after examining the issues like foundation competency, seismic aspect, dam design and existing ground conditions and etc.
Gogoi said, Scindia in his letter mentioned, that to mitigate the downstream impact, NHPC has committed to implement the recommendations of the Joint Steering Committee that was constituted in consultation with the Government of Assam with a total financial implication of Rs. 470 crores approximately.
“The Technical Experts Committee appointed by the Planning Commission to examine technical aspects of the project has recommended that Assam be given first charge on the 300 MW of unallocated power in addition to the already allocated power of 208 MW of paid and 25 MW of free power,” said Gogoi while quoting the letter.
The construction work of the much ambitious 2,000 MW project on the Subansiri River has been stalled after protests by locals and many organisations since December 2011.