NEW DELHI, Nov 26 � In major breather for Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the Centre is likely to constitute an expert panel to examine the issues raised by the anti-dam agitators against construction of dam and hydro power projects.
The Centre�s decision was conveyed by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, when he called on him this morning, at his Parliament House office to discuss a host of issues concerning the State. �The Prime Minister agreed to my suggestion and conveyed that the Central Government is going to set up an expert committee to go into the whole gamut of issues raised in connection with the hydropower projects in the region,� said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister said that he clarified to the Prime Minister that he is not against construction of dams in Arunachal Pradesh but wanted the Centre to allay the apprehensions raised by the people of Assam and the issues flagged by the expert panel.
The Chief Minister said that he also raised the issue of China�s reported attempt to divert Brahmaputra River with the Prime Minister.
�Dr Singh conveyed that he has had already discussed the issue with the Chinese Premier and President and had been assured that there was no such move,� said Gogoi.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the apprehensions should be allayed following reports that China was constructing a number of dams on Brahmaputra River in Tibet region.
Renewing his demand for setting up North East Water Resources Authority (NEWRA), Gogoi suggested that if Arunachal Pradesh has objections then the State should be left out, and the Centre should go ahead with its plans.
In this connection, Gogoi said he may submit a concept paper to the Prime Minister�s Office. �Why should other States of the region suffer because of opposition by one State,� he said.
Meanwhile, Gogoi also managed to convince the Prime Minister about the need to constitute a committee to look into the demand for sanction of central funds for erosion-affected people. The Central Relief Fund norms have provisions for providing funds only to flood affected people.
The Chief Minister has been calling for revising the norms by including relief for erosion affected people.
The Prime Minister suggested that a committee be set up to examine the State�s demand for relief and rehabilitation of the erosion affected people, Gogoi added.
The Chief Minister said he also briefed the Prime Minister about the progress in talks with ULFA and DHD and the measures taken to curb activities of NDFB (anti-talks) faction.
Meanwhile Gogoi held a closed door meeting with Centre�s interlocutor, P C Haldar regarding the progress of the talks with ULFA and DHD. Indications are that talks may get underway with the release of detained chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa.
On implementation of the schemes for welfare of minority welfare, the Chief Minister assured expeditious execution. The Prime Minister had earlier written to the State Government expressing concern over the slow implementation of the schemes.
The Chief Minister later hosted a dinner for the MPs of the State and is likely to meet Congress president, Sonia Gandhi tomorrow.
