Date:14/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/14/stories/2004061401361301.htm

Back `Scrap Pathrakkadavu hydro project'

Our Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Experts taking part in a seminar here have called for scrapping the proposed Pathrakkadavu hydroelectric project on grounds that it would lead to large-scale ecological problems.

Addressing participants at the discussion organised by Greens, a city-based group of nature-lovers, noted scientist Prof R. V. G. Menon said Pathrakkadavu would hardly be able to yield the much-publicised benefits it was claimed to generate. Much of the water flowing into the reservoir would be wasted if only to ensure that uninterrupted flow in the river was maintained during summer.

Thus, water available for power generation will be less than what is projected in the proposal. Instead of going ahead with the project, the KSEB should aim at reducing transmission loss and power theft.

According to environmentalist Mr V. S. Vijayan, the project will lead to serious ecological imbalance to the Silent Valley ecosystem. Poetess Ms B. Sugathakumari appealed to the State Government to take steps for the protection of the buffer zone area in the Silent Valley so as to maintain the ecological balance.