Rajkhowa asks NHPC to expedite projects in Arunachal

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa on Wednesday asked NHPC authorities to expedite commissioning of projects in the state as per schedule and there should not be escalation of cost or time overrun.
“There must be a balance between development and the environment considerations,” the Governor said during a meeting with NHPC’s Itanagar based executive director Shyamal Mitra at Raj Bhawan here.
Mitra, who was accompanied by Tawang general manager Gobind Baidya and deputy manager K Riram, briefed Rajkhowa on the NHPC projects in the state and Tawang district, an official release said.
“For overall and larger interest of the state and region, the NHPC must ensure adequate compensation to the affected people, including people in downstream by providing alternative livelihood, quality land, resettlement and other facilities as per norms and guidelines of the Centre.
“Agricultural fields, endangered species of flora and fauna, like orchids and Black Necked Cranes should be preserved as well,” the Governor stressed. He advised the NHPC officials to take extra steps to expedite the project work and take village elders, in confidence. (PTI)