4900 crore Kosi-Mechi river River Diversion project gets environmental clearance, Sapt Kosi High Dam plan on the horizon

[Gopal Krishna]

 Rs 4900 crore Kosi-Mechi river River Diversion project gets environmental clearance, Sapt Kosi High Dam plan on the horizon

The EIA report of 4900 crore river diversion project prepared by a New Delhi consltant based will have us believe that there will be no adverse effect and no displacement. It admits that certain studies like seismicity study have not been conducted because they were not deemed relevant. Given the fact that Kosi is a transboundary river, there was/is a need to undertake cumulative environment and social impact assessment of the project on the environmental and social health of the Kosi sub-basin as part of Ganga River basin in the light of the Ganga River Basin Master Plan. 

The proposed land use change is likely to contribute to climate crisis. 

Before the work starts on Kosi-Mechi river diversion project for earning Rs 1448 crores annually for 100 years through irrigation for Kharif crops in Araria, Purnea, Katihar & Kisanganj, there is a need for a Mahapanchayat coz Sapt Kosi High Dam planned for Rabi crops too. EIA report and the environmental clearance conditions merits ground truthing and rigorous scrutiny. 

------

Gopal Krishna

Web: www.toxicswatch.org