Niagara-like project for Athirapally suggested

The environment impact study of the controversial Athirapally hydel project in central Kerala has suggested a Niagara and Victoria model of project which combines power generation with tourism.

The environment impact study of the controversial athirapally hydel project in central kerala has suggested a niagara and victoria model of project which combines power generation with tourism. explaining the findings of the study conducted by the tropical botanic garden and research institute (tbgri), its director g m nair said the rs 416-crore, 163 mw power project at the picturesque waterfall could produce cheaper electricity (rs 1.70 per unit) and be a good tourist attraction on the lines of the niagara falls.

At the famous falls on the us-canada border, water is stopped during the night for power generation and allowed to cascade down during the day. he regretted that despite meeting all the requirements of environment laws, some vested interests were putting legal hurdles on the project. the kerala state electricity board entrusted the study to the tbgri in 1995. athirapally is the third hydel project in kerala to be stopped by controversies and legal impediments. seeking to answer major concerns expressed by anti-project activists, nair said the project would inundate only 28 hectares of river bank forests which are not of endemic flora. no flora and fauna would disappear as no major construction is required. there would be no displacement of people, barring the relocation of 18 tribal families. nor would elephant corridors be affected as alleged, he said. the project would ensure better infrastructure, like roads and electricity, which will give a boost to the local people, he added.