Kerala govt draws criticism for reviving Athirappilly power project

Notwithstanding strong opposition from a section of political leaders, the Kerala government has decided to revive the controversial Athirappilly hydel power project proposed in the ecologically sensitive Chalakudy river basin in Thrissur district

New Delhi:The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Kerala government’s move of giving No Objection Certificate for Athirappilly hydro-electric power project has drawn sharp criticism from various environmentalists including former union minister Jairam Ramesh.

The objections to the controversial Athirappilly project across the Chalakudy river had resurfaced once again as Kerala government has given NOC to Kerala State Electricity Board on June 4.

Considering a letter from the authorities of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) seeking to proceed with the project and to obtain a fresh environmental clearance, the state government issued the certificate for a period of 7 years, permitting it to proceed with implementation of Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project

Targetting the state government over the issue, Jairam Ramesh warned that a Silent Valley type protest in 1970s, an ecological movement aimed at the protection of Silent Valley, an evergreen tropical forest in the Palakkad district, will erupt in Kerala if the left government went ahead with the project.

“By approving hydel project despite opposition & expert advice, Kerala govt is inflicting ecological disaster. Indira Gandhi saved the Western Ghats by stopping the Silent Valley project in 1983. That commitment, concern & courage (3 Cs!) for the environment is missing today,” the Congress MP said on Wednesday.

Chennithala declared that the Congress-led UDF would not allow the government to implement the project. "We will not allow the government to implement the project," Chennithala said addressing a protest meet at Thiruvananthapuram.

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Noted environmentalist Leo Saldanha stated the decision is an appalling one. He had also recalled the late environmental activist Latha’s fight to stop the project.

“This is an appalling decision by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister Thomas Isaac. Late Latha fought to convince you all about the futility of the project thru cancer until her demise. Please look beyond immediate & reverse your decision. Kerala did well-fighting COVID-19. It can do better-saving CHALUKADY,” Saldanha said on Twitter.

Though the project was coined in 1996, it was sent to the shelves as because of the strong opposition. Even the Communist Party of India (CPI), a part of LDF had voiced against this project.

The environmental activists claimed that the project would cause massive destruction to flora and fauna in the Western Ghats. The activists also warned it would dry up the Athirappilly falls and vandalize the resources of Chalakudy River.

Tribals in the western ghats are also opposing the project as they fear it would affect their livelihood.