THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what is seen as a clear indication the government has not shelved the Athirappilly hydel power project, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the Assembly the project would be implemented after reaching a consensus. Pinarayi was replying to a calling-attention motion by P T Thomas of Congress. Thomas alleged the government was implementing the project on the sly. “The government is trying to protect the state’s common interest by reaching a consensus and will examine the opinion of environment groups and political parties regarding the project,” Pinarayi said.
He said the Central Environmental Appraisal Committee had found the opinions and suggestions stated in the Environment Impact Assessment report as satisfactory.“The project has been designed in a manner it does not hamper water flow in the area between the dam and the powerhouse and retains the waterfall. Though there are no tribal settlers in the area, the project also takes into account the rehabilitation of tribal people who have settled above the project site,” he said.Pinarayi said the project was revived after the Central Water Commission gave a report there was adequate water available for the project whose environment-forest clearance was restored in 2015. All necessary approvals, including approval of the Central Electricity Authority, have been obtained.