Tarun Gogoi concerned about downstream impact of Bhutan project

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today expressed concern over the likely adverse downstream impact in Assam of the 600-MW Kholongchu Hydro-electric dam project in Bhutan to be built under a India-Bhutan joint venture.

Talking to reporters here, Gogoi said, "Apprehensions have been expressed regarding the dam project and we are also concerned about what will be its downstream impact in Assam. We want that everyone should benefit...but not at the cost of Assam."

He said that an expert committee should be formed to examine all aspects relating to the project and take every measure for mitigating floods and other likely downstream impact here.

"The expert committee can be formed either by the Centre or Assam government," he said.

On sharing of the hydro-power generated, the Chief Minister said that his state should also get some share.

"We also want that Assam be taken into confidence in all future discussions between India and Bhutan," Gogoi said.

During a visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on June 16 laid the foundation stone of the Kholongchu hydro-electric dam project.