No Justification for Athirappilly Project: Dr. Madhav Gadgil

KOCHI:
Noted environment Scientist Padma Bhushan Dr. Madhav Gadgil said that the proposed Athirappilly Hydroelectric project is not justifiable on technical backgrounds.
According to him the statistics regarding the quantity of water is exaggerated. He was delivering ‘Aanukaalikam’ lecture series organised by School of Legal Studies, Cusat in collaboration with Advt. R. Balagopal Memorial Trust at Cusat.
“The amount of power that the project report claims cannot be generated and therefore this will not be an economically viable project”, Dr. Gadgil added. He stated that Athirappilly is one of the last remaining low level riverine forest with rich biodiversity.
In his inaugural address Dr. S. Anil Kumar, Director, Public Relations and Publications, Cusat said the major reason for the massive environmental degradation in the state is the selfishness of its citizens. He accused that Malayalees are not proactive towards protection of forest, wetland and water resources.
Dr. P.S Seema , Director, School of Legal Studies presided. Advt. B. Ramachandran Nair, Trustee, Adv. R. Balagopal Memorial Trust, Dr. Jean vinitha Peter, Sreejesh. B. Panickerband Dr. M.R. Anantharaman spoke.
The Aanukaalikam’ lecture series will conclude on Thursday.