Power Minister M M Mani bats for Athirapally project

Thiruvananthapuram: Power Minister M M Mani Thursday batted for the controversial Athirapally hydel power project, opposed by locals and environmentalists, saying hydro electric projects were best suited for the state.

However, he made it clear that the LDF government would proceed with the project proposed in the Chalakudy river basin in Thrissur District only after evolving a consensus on it.

"There are differences of opinion among the LDF partners on the project and also in the UDF'" he told reporters here.

The government was for a 'debate' on the project to arrive at a consensus,he said.

'My personal opinion is that the project will be beneficial to the state', he said adding Kerala State Electricity Board also wanted to implement project which faced stiff resistance from local people and environment outfits.

The Minister noted that Environment clearance given by the Centre for the project will expire in July.

Mani said one of the LDF's poll promises had been fulfilled with the declaration of the state as 'fully electrified'.

Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan would declare the state as fully electrified on May 29 at a function to be held in Kozhikode.

Mani said that the feat was achieved by providing power connections to 1.5 lakh houses (which till now did not have electricity) at a total outlay of Rs.174 crore.