Athirappally hydro-electric power projcet sanctioned by Ministry of Environement with out taking care of Environmental factors

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) reportedly gave clearance for the Athirappally hydro-electric power projcet project on July 18,2007.

This clearence is made without giving attention to the concerns towards protecting Natural forest, ecosystem, rare and endagered species, elephant migratory route, and protecting the contiguity of parambikulam and Pooyankutty forests.

The MoEF had cleared the project in 1998 without the mandatory public hearing. The Kerala High Court, on October 17, 2001, had directed the Kerala State Electricity Board and the MoEF to fulfil procedures for environmental clearance, including a public hearing.

A public hearing was held at the Thrissur Town Hall on February 6, 2002. The project was again cleared by the MoEF on February 10, 2005, on the basis of a report by Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited (WAPCOS). On March 23, 2006, the Kerala High Court quashed the clearance and ordered another public hearing.

A public hearing held at the Gopalakrishna Auditorium in Chalakudy on June 15, 2002, drew protests against the proposed dam.

The press release made by MoEF on 11.05.07:
" 17:1 IST RAJYA SABHA

Environmental clearance to 163 mw hydel power project at the Athirapally Waterfalls in Kerala are under consideration. A sub committee of the Expert Appraisal Committee for River Valley & Hydroelectric Projects visited the proposed sites of Athirapally hydroelectric project during April 2007. The findings of the Committee includes: People living in Athirapally , whose income is mainly tourist dependent are agitated, efforts to assuage their worries have not been adequately addressed by KSEB.
There are two tribal settlements – one with 18 families above the FRL and at the upstream side of the dam and the other with 58 families at downstream(about 400 mt from the dam) site of the dam – who somehow developed a strong notion that they would be displaced. ........
The site visit report of the sub committee is being placed before the meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee(EAC) scheduled to be held on 16th May, 2007 for its recommendation. After EAC’s recommendations are available , Government will take a decision.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to question by Shri K.E.Ismail in the Rajya Sabha today. KP:PM "

But the decision of clearence from River vally committee was made by placing some conditions such as Keeping the regular water flow in the river and taking care of tribes living there.

There will be agitation in front of Thrissur Collectorate on August 16, 2007. Ecologiical Protection Group, Wildlife Protection Society of india and many other environemntal orgaisation will participate in the agitation.