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Book on big dams released

By The Assam Tribune - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, Dec 14 � A book titled Brihat nodi baandh aru Asom was formally released by columnist Nitya Bora at a solemn function held at the Nanda Talukdar Foundation office here at Pub Sarania on Sunday, a press release said.

Published by Nanda Talukdar Foundation and Bhawani Print and Publications, the book contains excerpts from the expert committee report, NHPC�s reaction, besides comments on the aforementioned report. An open letter by an Arunachali citizen to his Assamese counterpart on the issue also finds place in the book. A map showing the proposed dam sites and under construction projects in Arunachal Pradesh have also been incorporated in the treatise.

Edited by senior journalists Mrinal Talukdar and Kishore Kumar Kalita, thought provoking articles by Dr Hiren Gohain, Dr Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, social activist Akhil Gogoi, Foundation president Nitya Bora, Tarun Chandra Bhattacharyya, Niraj Baghelkar, Debojit Barua, Lakhi Hazarika and Keshav Krishna Chakradhara are enshrined in the book.

It may be pertinent to mention here that Arunachal Pradesh proposes to generate 56, 539 MW of hydro-electric power by harnessing its torrential hilly rivers. Among the proposed power projects, the facility at lower Subansiri has generated much public debate since quite sometime now among people in the downstream areas as vast stretches of agricultural land, valuable forests, infrastructural facilities and moderately populated villages stand a chance of being washed away for ever in the days ahead.

The book discusses in a lucid manner relevant socio-economic issues related to the building of big dams from all perspectives. People�s movements and concern voiced from time to time by scientists and laymen alike find place in the document.

�Every possible care has been taken to maintain impartiality. Hence, diverse views on the subject from various quarters have been incorporated�, Mrinal Talukdar disclosed before media persons at the book release function.

Representing Bhawani Print and Publications at the function, Janardan Goswami said his organisation in future initiatives of public interest, like in the present case, would cooperate with the Foundation.