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Power allocation row with State yet to end

By Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, May 27 � The ongoing row between Government of Assam and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) over allocation of additional power from the Subansiri (Lower) Hydroelectric Project is unlikely to end soon. The Ministry of Power is now likely to take a call on the State�s demand.

Stating this, chairman-cum-managing director of NHPC, A.B.L. Srivastava said that the Ministry of Power is considering the issue. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Assam Government would be definitely signed before commissioning of the Project scheduled in August 2014, he added.

The stalemate between State Government and NHPC are over a number of issues including the State�s demand for increase in allocation of free power, besides an increase in State�s share of power.

Addressing an annual press conference, the CMD said that they are pursuing the matter with the State Government and hopes for its resolution.

Whatever the issues may be with Subansiri Project, they are in the process of being resolved, though the main issue is the downstream impact study. An expert technical committee has been set up and Government of India has also constituted an expert committee, he said.

�Whatever action is required to be taken on the basis of the recommendation of the Expert Committee would be taken,� the CMD assured.

The 2000 MW Project is in the eye of the storm following a massive public outcry over its impact in the downstream areas in Assam. NHPC said that 94 per cent Dam excavation work and 34 per cent concrete works have been completed.

The CMD, however, expressed concern at the transfer of number of hydro power project from PSU to private sector. The transfer of project to private sector is a matter of concern, he said.

But he expressed his helplessness stating that the issue is under State subject. �We are making all efforts that some of the projects would be allocated to us,� he said.

A number of hydro power projects with NHPC in Arunachal Pradesh including two projects in the Siang Valley (3,000 mw) and Subansiri (Middle) Projects were allotted to private developers even though NHPC was given the mandate to prepare DPRs.

About 3000 MW Dibang hydro power project, the CMD said that the project clearance is still awaited. Admitting that delay in public hearing had upset the schedule, he said that he recently met the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in this connection. Public hearing would take place very soon, he asserted.

Two other projects in Arunachal Pradesh is currently pending environment and forest clearance including 1400 MW Tawang I and II. However, NHPC received the in-principle forest clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest for 66 MW Loktak Downstream hydroelectric project.

The joint venture company to run the Tipaimukh Project is being incorporated and work would start soon. �We are targeting to complete the project,� he said.

About Bangladesh�s opposition to the Project, Srivastava said that a delegation from Bangladesh visited the Project site and after the visit no communication has been received from the neighbouring country, not to stop the project.

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