Government may call all-party meet for consensus on Athirappally Project

Thiruvananthapuram: The government is likely to call an all-party meeting to arrive at a consensus on revival of the Athirappally Hydroelectric project across Chalakudy River.

Prior to that, the Cabinet will be discussing the project aimed at generating 163 MW of power.

The project had been stalled because of environmental objections and litigation. The Environmental clearance obtained for the Project had expired. Though the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommended against granting clearance for the Project in 2011, the Expert Appraisal Committee for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects gave a go ahead for the project a few months ago after examining around 15 concerns including loss of biodiversity and displacement of tribals. The Committee observed that no tribals would be displaced.

The State Electricity Board, which is to implement the project, has now received extension of techno-economic clearance from the Centre till 2017. The case over award of contract for the project is likely to be decided shortly. However, there is chance of fresh litigation on environmental grounds.

The project envisages construction of a 23 metre high dam above the Athirapplay waterfalls and diversion of water through tunnels to power house below the waterfalls.