No Political Decision to Revive Athirappilly Project: Minister

Kerala's Power Minister, K. Krishnankutty, clarified on Thursday that the government has not made any political decision to revive the long-stalled Athirappilly hydroelectric project. He emphasized that recent discussions around the project are purely technical reviews and do not reflect any new government stance or action plan.

The clarification came in response to growing public concern and environmentalist criticism over reports suggesting a potential revival of the controversial project, which has been opposed for decades due to its ecological impact on the Athirappilly waterfalls and surrounding forest areas.

“The project has not been politically revived. Discussions happening at the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) level are part of routine technical evaluations,” said Minister Krishnankutty during a press interaction.

Background on Athirappilly Project

The 163-MW Athirappilly hydel project, proposed on the Chalakudy River, has been a topic of political and environmental debate since the 1980s. While proponents claim it would improve Kerala’s power generation capacity, opponents fear ecological destruction, displacement of tribal communities, and harm to biodiversity, including the endangered hornbill species.

Environmentalists Still Vigilant

Despite the minister’s statement, environmental groups and tribal activists remain watchful. They demand a clear and permanent closure of the project rather than vague denials. Many argue that unless the government officially withdraws the proposal, suspicions of its revival will persist.

KSEB’s Clarification

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) also issued a note saying no formal steps have been taken to reinitiate the project. Officials mentioned that discussions are part of standard internal project reviews, which are done for many shelved projects for record maintenance and updates.

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