CPI urges to stop Subansiri hydropower project
Guwahati: In a recent development, the Tinsukia District Council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Assam submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, urging immediate stoppage of the construction of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. SLHEP).
The CPI conveyed its concerns to PM Modi through the Tinsukia District Commissioner in Assam, highlighting the harmful effects of the controversial project on the environment and the local population. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) under the Government of India began construction of large dams on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh with the primary objective of generating electricity. Despite widespread protests by the people of Assam, NHPC continued the construction work.
One of the major grievances raised by the CPI pertains to the recent incident where NHPC had informed about the closure of a diversion tunnel due to landslide on October 27, 2023. As a result, NHPC unexpectedly deposited water in the dam, resulting in the dam drying up in the downstream area of the river. This has caused significant damage to the communities living in the southern part of the river and adversely affected the biodiversity of the area.
Meanwhile, the Assam State Council of CPI has called on the Central government to form an expert committee to comprehensively investigate all aspects of the dam construction. The party emphasizes the need for a more sustainable and multi-faceted approach to dam planning, with the aim of ensuring public safety and preserving biodiversity in the area.
Furthermore, the CPI strongly demanded an immediate halt to the dam construction due to its potentially devastating impact on the lives of people in the downstream areas of Assam.
CPI’s memorandum to PM Modi also highlighted the serious issue of rising prices of consumer goods, especially essential food items. The party urged the government to take measures to reduce the cost of goods and ensure availability of essential commodities through affordable stores.
Apart from its concerns about the hydropower project and rising consumer prices, the CPI expressed its dissatisfaction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had promised to install a corruption-free government in Assam. The CPI cited several allegations against the government and even the Chief Minister’s family, alleging that the present government has failed to address corruption issues. The allegations cover a range of scams, including a land purchase scam involving the chief minister’s wife, a land classification scam, a Rs 10 crore subsidy scam and a resort purchase scam.
CPI’s Tinsukia District Council Secretary Ranjan Chaudhary also expressed concern about the large-scale illegal coal mining taking place openly in Tinsukia district by illegal coal syndicates linked to ruling class leaders. In response, CPI has demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Government to take appropriate action against those involved in these activities.
