On the backfoot,Ramesh writes to PM again: I am batting for strategic projects

Campaign to show that my position on Arunachal hydel projects weakens national interest

On September 16,Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh distancing himself from the Government and questioning development works in the strategic North-East and Bhutan.

In that letter,first reported by The Indian Express,Ramesh cited demands for a review of all hydel projects in the region and a moratorium on any further clearances for hydel projects in Arunachal since these are bound to be the subject of agitation in Assam. He also lent his weight behind the sentiments of some NGOs that we should not make Arunachal Pradesh a pawn in the race between India and China.

After that letter attracted criticism,on October 14,Ramesh sent a second letter to the Prime Minister clearly pulling himself back from this position alleging that a campaign had been launched by some people that my position on hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh weakens the national interest.

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This time,in an attempt at course-correction,Ramesh quoted his earlier position on the subject. And,in an unusual departure from norms,even mentioned how on August 2,he had approved the grant of the Terms of Reference for the environmental impact assessment for the 2700 MW Lower Siang Project being executed by a private company.

He wrote: I had recorded the following: This is an extremely important project from a strategic point of view that is essential to strengthen our negotiating/bargaining position vis a vis China on the Brahmaputra waters issue. There will be other such projects on the Siang. MoE&F,keeping this perspective in mind,should play a proactive role for facilitating speedy implementation.

Ramesh then went on to justify this note. I thought it is important to bring this fact to your attention given the campaign that has been launched by some people that my position on hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh weakens the national interest. In fact,may I take the liberty of saying that the position I have taken…has been entirely suo motu without any ministry lobbying me for it, Ramesh wrote.