Assam Cabinet Refers Bordikorai Hydro Electric Project Case to CBI Amid Environmental Controversy

The Assam cabinet has decided to refer a case regarding the closure of the 5 MW Bordikorai Hydro Electric Project to the CBI. The project in Biswanath district was halted in 2015 due to lack of environmental clearance. The cabinet also extended agreements with Tata Trusts for cancer care hospitals and waived examination fees for SC/ST students in recruitment tests.

The Assam cabinet has taken a significant step by referring the case of the 5 MW Bordikorai Hydro Electric Project closure to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.

Originally proposed in Biswanath district and assigned to a private firm in 2009, the project faced environmental clearance issues pointed out by the forest department in 2012. The project was abruptly closed in 2015, leading to a Gauhati High Court directive for the state to compensate the firm with Rs 100 crore, noted the Chief Minister during the post-cabinet meeting media briefing.

Sarma clarified that the decision is not politically motivated. He stated that although the then Chief Minister and Power Minister Tarun Gogoi signed the closure order, no politicians are involved in the matter, but some bureaucrats are expected to explain the closure. Additionally, the cabinet okayed extending cooperation with Tata Trusts for cancer care hospitals in Assam and waived examination fees for SC/ST students in state recruitment tests.

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