Greens, govt clash likely over Pooyamkutty project in Kerala

D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram

Environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts in Kerala have become watchful about the 240 mw Pooyamkutty hydroelectric project with a team of environmental exports from the Centre arriving in Thiruvananthapuram last week for a reappraisal of the project.

Earlier, three expert committees set by the central government had rejected the project. The present team has been deputed by the Centre following pressure from Kerala Chief Minister E K Nayanar and Power Minister Pinaravi Vijayan in the light of the prime minister's promise to exempt the project from the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The project, which has already received clearance from the ministries of technology, investment, and environment, is held up for want of the same from the forest ministry.

The central team, headed by Dr D Nadkarni, is slated to hold a public hearing on February 21 to have a firsthand opinion of a cross-section of the people on various aspects of the project. Environmental activists have geared up with relevant data to face the central team during the public hearing. This is said to be the first time that a public hearing is being held in the state on a project of this sort.

The principal objection of the environmentalists against the project is over the extent of damage the project would inflict on the Pooyamkutty forest, which is unique in many ways. According to the government, the project will submerge more than 2,000 hectares of forest land in Idukki which, incidentally, has a high density of dams.

Environmentalists hold the Pooyamkutty forest dear because it is the only green tract close to sea level after the Amazon forests in Brazil. Besides, the Pooyamkutty forest possesses several priceless flora and fauna species. A recent survey conducted by the Botanical Survey of India found more than 750 species of endangered plants in the forests. Another survey by the Kerala Forest Research Institute found the presence of several medicinal plants in the area. The survey identified about 170 endemic medicinal plant species.

Fauna enthusiasts are concerned over the destruction of the forest as it is considered a breeding haven for the Asiatic elephant. The area is an important link in the elephant corridor, according to the wildlife activists. They point out that upper Pooyamkutty was selected for inclusion in the 'Elephant Project'.

Kerala Chipko movement Secretary M P Pranirakshaji is also worried about the impact of the dam on the soil of Iddukki district, where, at present, there are as many as 16 dams. Environmentalists dispute the government's estimate of forest lost due to the reservoir to be set up under the project. Many say that the reservoir will submerge more than 5,000 hectares as against the government's estimate of 2,000 hectares.

The Kerala government considers this project vital to tide over the acute power shortage the state faces. The government has already given more than 3,000 hectares for compensatory forestation.

The project was proposed in the 1980s in lieu of the Silent Valley project which had to be shelved following stiff resistance from the green lobby. The project had the blessings of the then prime minster, the late Indira Gandhi. The present prime minister has also assured the state that it will clear the project without further delay.

The Balamandan Committee appointed by the government of Kerala to study the electricity development in the state has demanded top priority for the Pooyamkutty project. It suggested sending an all-party delegation of members of Parliament and the legislative assembly from the state to the prime minister for securing an early clearance.

If cleared, the project is likely to trigger a prolonged battle between environmentalist and the government as in the case of the Silent Valley project.

UNI