Athirappilly not on LDF’s agenda, says Kanam

Thrissur: CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran Friday has said the Athirappilly hydro-electric project is not the agenda of the Left Democratic Front.

“There is no change in CPI’s stand on the project,” Kanam told reporters.

“The Athirappilly hydro-electric project had not been mentioned on the election manifesto of the LDF,” he said.

Kanam had taken strong exception to the reported statement of Pinarayi Vijayan that the 163-MW project on the Chalakkudy River was inevitable for the overall development of the State.

Environmental activists have been opposing the project due to the ecological vulnerability of the region. They argue that the Athirappilly project is likely to cause serious environmental damage.

The 138.6-hectare forestland to be used for constructing the dam is home to Asiatic Elephant, Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Gaur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur and Cochin Forest Cane Turtle.

Environmentalists say the project will wipe out Vazhachal and Athirappilly waterfalls.