SHILLONG: As the Department of Atomic energy has expressed its reservations against developing stage II of Kynshi hydro power project due to presence of uranium deposits in the basin, the Meghalaya Government has decided to take up the matter with the Department to ensure that the project is not stalled.
Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma after reviewing several power projects in the meeting of the empowered committee here on Thursday said that Department of Atomic energy had made an observation that the uranium deposits in the basin would submerge if the project was constructed and had indicated that the project should be taken up only after uranium mining is done in respect of the deposits in the basin
However, Sangma said that based on the clearance of the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), the developer invested substantially in the project and Government now has decided to took up the matter with the department of Atomic energy.
“Our stand is that since no decision has been taken for facilitating uranium mining there, the project should not be stalled,” Chief Minister said while fearing that that the project may not get environment clearance if the Department of Atomic energy come on the way
“If the project is developed, the deposits will remain there and it has nothing to do with the project and the project s meant for harnessing the potential of the state, “he added.
The 325 mw Kynshi stage II project has been allotted to one private developer and survey and investigation is in advanced stage.
With regards to 270 mw Kynshi stage I power project, Chief Minister informed that the Detailed Project Report had been completed and land acquisition was under progress.
However, lately, the developer has gone slow and Power department has been asked to get in touch with the developer look at their interest based on follow up action would be taken
Meanwhile, the Empowered Committee has also considered the cancellation of the Umduna (57 MW) and Umjaut (69 MW) projects which were to be developed by ETA Star Infrastructure Ltd, Mumbai,
Sangma informed that the developer was send various notices by the power department and even show cause notice was issued but their response was not forthcoming and hence the Committee after following due process has considered the cancellation and the decision would be put up before the State Cabinet since the project was allotted with the approval of the state Cabinet.
