Chouhan to PM: MoEF stalling MP development work

The stoppage of work at this juncture will result in a daily loss of 7.2 lakh units of power from November 2010 and deny the urban areas of Dewas and Indore 360 MLD of water, complained Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the letter adding that the MoEFs arbitrary action is extremely detrimental to the planning and development process.

To support his allegation that the ministry has an agenda,Chouhan mentioned the ministrys condition that two wildlife sanctuaries be created to compensate for submergence of wildlife. There is no forest land at all in the area to be submerged and therefore no wildlife of any kind.

The state said it was run-off-the-river project and will cause submergence only after the gates are closed,adding there was no need to suspend work as conditions could be fulfilled before the gates are closed. Chouhan urged the PM to revoke the suspension order and,if necessary,convene a meeting.

Chouhan chose to send the letter to the PMO because his earlier correspondence with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh was not fruitful.