Athirappilly waterfalls. File photoThiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government seems to be in no mood to shelve the Athirappilly hydroelectric project despite stiff opposition from different corners.
The CPM-led government on Wednesday told the Assembly that the preliminary works on the project have already begun. The procedure to use forest land for the project has been completed, electricity minister M.M. Mani said in a written reply to V.K. Ebrahimkunju, MLA.
The minister said the studies conducted by the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Water Commission have found that the project would be beneficial to the state.
The minister's statement contradicts his own earlier stance that it is difficult to implement the project braving opposition from various groups. Ever since the project was announced, environmentalists have been opposing it citing the hazards it would cause.
Political parties, including opposition Congress and ruling ally CPI, have also strongly opposed the project.
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