The Kerala Government recently approved the proposed Athirapally Hydro Electric Project (AHEP) on the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, marking its seventh dam along the river’s 145 km course. The existing five dams primarily cater to power and irrigation needs.
Understanding the Significance of the Chalakudy River
Originating from the Anamalai region of Tamil Nadu, the Chalakudy River, the fourth-longest in Kerala, runs through Palakkad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. Its tributaries – Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam join it in Kerala. The riparian vegetation that thrives on its banks is primarily hydrophilic plants. It is home to 85 species of freshwater fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. This makes the Chalakudy River one of the richest in India in terms of fish diversity. Furthermore, the famous Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls are part of this river ecosystem.
Key Points about the Athirapally Hydro Electric Project
The total installed capacity of AHEP is 163 MW. The project aims to make use of the tail-end water flowing out of the Poringalkuthu Hydro Electric Project, constructed across the Chalakudy River. Water will be diverted from both the Poringalkuthu project and its own catchment area spanning 26 sq km. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Kerala government for implementing the project. Despite various challenges, KSEB officials remain confident about procuring approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Opposition to the Project
The project faces opposition from political leaders and environmentalists given its controversial nature. Initially proposed by KSEB in 1996, it was suspended due to protests led by local communities and environmentalists. In 1997, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board reported that the project could potentially harm the Athirappilly’s fragile river ecosystem. An uprising akin to the Silent Valley movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s is anticipated again.
Environmental Concerns
Athirappally, known for its diversity of birds, animals and plant species, is in danger. Among these are hornbills, tigers, leopards, the Nilgiri langur, the lion-tailed macaque, and the rare Cochin forest cane turtle. The project might endanger fish varieties in the Chalakudy River and submerge approximately 168 hectares of forests in the Western Ghats.
Besides, it violates the forest rights granted to the Kadars under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, as tribal settlements will have to be dismantled and displaced. The project threatens to sever the link between the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur and the Idamalayar basin of the Periyar river. It also affects the crucial elephant corridor between the Parambikulam Sanctuary (a tiger reserve) and the Pooyamkutty forests.
The Impact on Kerala’s Tourism
The Athirappally Hydro Electric Project poses a significant threat to tourism as it could potentially obliterate the majestic Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls. These waterfalls attract around 0.6 million domestic and foreign tourists each year.