NEW DELHI, June 13 - In what could trigger fresh controversies, the NDA Government at the Centre during the last two years has accorded environment and forest clearance to several hydroelectric projects that have a combined generation capacity of 6,000 MW of power.
In the last two years of its rule at the Centre, the NDA Government has also given environment and forest approval to several projects in Assam.
According to a report titled �New Initiatives and Reports 2014-2016�, one sand and stone mining project in Kamrup and Nagaon South Division respectively were given forest clearance.
Further, the railway line from Maynaguri to Jogighopa and the 440 KV transmission line of NETCL were given environment approval. One open cast coal mining project having a capacity of up to 0.20 MTPA at Tikak Extension was also given the environment clearance. �Coal production would be enhanced, so as to meet the increased thermal power requirement of the country,� the report said.
Further, revamping of the INDMAX unit at Guwahati Refinery by the IOCL was also approved. This project will improve the quality of fuel produced, the report said.
In Arunachal Pradesh, forest approval was given to three hydroelectric power projects having a total capacity of 3,120 MW at Saskang Rong, Dibang and Kantangshiri.
Environment clearance was also given to the 2,800 MW Dibang hydroelectricity and multipurpose project in Dibang district, being built at a cost of Rs 2,537 crore. Besides generating electricity, the project will provide irrigation to agriculture land and help in flood control.
At least three 132 KV transmission lines � Tezu to Namsai, Switchyard of Pare and Nirjuli to Dikrong � were given environment and forest approval. Environment clearance was also given to Kantangshiri hydroelectric project which will generate 80 MW of power. The project located in West Siang district will cost Rs 400.27 crore.
Moreover, eight road projects including Along-Dime-Migging-Tuting, Akajan-Likabali-Bame, Kimin-Potin, Kibithu-Thochu, Hunli- Metengliang-Hayuliang, Dirangamadela Road, Akajan Road and Bile-Migging were given forest clearance.
As reported the 2,000 MW Subansiri hydroelectric project mired in controversy has seen several organisations agitating against the project. The work on the project has been stalled since 2011.
