Centre’s move to approve Dibang project opposed

Guwahati, October 9, 2014: Several environment and civil society groups and activists have opposed the move of the Central government to accord environment and forest clearance to the 3000-MW Dibang Multipurpose Project and its ambitious plan to link the rivers of the country as contrary to the existing norms and damage to the overall environment of the country.

The organisations and the individuals issued a joint statement after a two-day convention on the issue at the New Delhi premises of the Gandhi Peace Foundation today.

They alleged that the Narendra Modi-led Government at the Centre is out to demolish all the existing environmental rules to pave the way for big capital to exploit the natural resources of the country in a rapacious manner.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests is also trying to replace expeditiously the existing environment laws of the country with newer ones only to favour the Indian and foreign corporate houses. For the purpose, the Ministry has set up a high-level committee, too, they alleged.

The signatory organisations of the joint statement include, among others, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Samajwadi Samagam, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, River Basin Friends, South Asian Dialogue on Ecological Harmony, Mines Minerals and People and All India Union of Forest Working People.

Source: Assam Tribune