Bangladesh free from adverse impact from hydroelectric project: Shinde

India's power minister assured Bangladesh that consultation will be undertaken with the Ministry of External Affairs before construction of the Tipaimukh hydroelectric project.

Bangladesh has rising concerns over the construction of the 1,500 MW project located in the state of Manipur along river Barak.

In a recent communiqué to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Power Minster Sushil Kumar Shinde has claimed that all necessary efforts will be made to allay the neighbor`s fears and misconceptions regarding the project, including sharing of technical data and environment plans if desired.

Shinde claims that Bangladesh actually stands to benefit from the project since it would not only help in arresting the peak floods but also provide increased water supply during the lean season. If the Bangladeshi authorities remain unconvinced, a site visit will be arranged.

Although due care will be taken by project authorities to ensure that Bangladesh does not suffer from any `adverse impact` as a result of the project, Shinde has warned that holding discussions with Bangladesh, especially on technical and environmental issues, is likely to invite similar demands from Bangladesh on other upstream hydro projects.