Athirappilly project: Mani for consensus.

The difference of opinion within the Left Democratic Front is the main hurdle to the implementation of the Athirappilly project, Electricity Minister M.M. Mani has said.

Addressing a power development seminar organised by the KSEB Workers Association here on Tuesday, the Minister said the project would be implemented with consensus.

“The project will become a reality today or tomorrow. However, the government has not taken the final decision. But the CPI(M) favours the project.”

The allegation that the project will destroy forests and the environment is baseless. The Union government and the Ministry of Environment and Forests had given the green signal for the project after rejecting the allegation, the Minister said. “The project will overcome all protests. It is suitable for the State. It has lesser environmental impact than any other power projects. The people who oppose it should have a rethinking,” he said.

People had been evicted even for the Idukki project. Such sacrifices are necessary for the development of society, he said.

“We are producing power only for 30% of our needs. The rest 70% is being brought from outside spending crores of rupees,” he added.

KSEB Workers Association president Elamaram Karim presided.

THE HINDU