CPM, CPI differ over Kerala hydro project

Differences between the CPM and its ally CPI over the proposed Athirappilly hydroelectric project became visible on Monday after the CPI urged the government not to pursue the project.

The CPI mouthpiece published a column “requesting” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to not pursue the project which is caught in a row over environmental concerns. 

The open endorsement of the project by Minister for Power Kadakampally Surendran and Vijayan’s support to the minister have already led CPI leaders to question the “unilateral” nature of the statements.

On Monday, Janayugam published a column in which the project proposed across the Chalakkudy river, in Thrissur district, is termed “disastrous” for the region’s ecology.

Mullaperiyar row
Vijayan’s statement endorsing a more reconciliatory approach to the Mullaperiyar dam issue has already triggered a backlash from the opposition Congress party. 

Vijayan’s view that a new dam could not be built without addressing issues raised by Tamil Nadu is being dubbed as a shift from the policy followed by previous governments. 

CPI MLA from Peerumedu E S Bijimol is also set to meet the chief minister to apprise him of concerns raised by people living in downstream villages who demand construction of a new dam.