Kerala govt’s nod to controversial Athirappilly hydel project triggers ecological concerns

In a major upset for conservationists, Opposition parties and also its own allies, Kerala’s CPM-led government formally approved the much-contested Athirappilly hydel power project across the Chalakudy River.

The power department gave a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), which has to execute the project, so that the latter could apply for fresh financial, technical and environmental clearances.

“The government has said that it is not opposed to the KSEB’s application to go ahead with the project and seek a fresh environmental clearance” said a top official.

The project, murmurs of which began in the early 80s, involves building a dam across the Chalakudy River in the Athirappilly panchayat in Thrissur district to generate 163MW of power mainly to tide over the power deficit in the state.