Guwahati:An Expert Group comprising experts from Indian Institute of Technology (Guwahati), Gauhati University and Dibrugarh has given its opinion against construction of the mega dam by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) at Gerukamukh in Dhemaji district along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary considering the sensitive geological and seismological character of the area. The eight member expert group was entrusted with the responsibility to carry out detail downstream impact study of the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Power Project as the NHPC had started the construction of the dam without caring to carry out the downstream impact study triggering widespread mass protests. The expert committee in its recommendations on the feasibility and the safety of the dam says, "The selected site for the mega dam of the present dimension was not appropriate in such a geologically and seismologically sensitive location. The seismic design parameter is not properly chosen for the project. Therefore, it is recommended not to construct the mega dam in the present site." Further, the expert group has suggested not to consider the geologically young and tectonically unstable Himalayan foothill areas to the south of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) for construction of any mega hydropower project. The dam site in question as well as the entire Arunachal Himalayas where 165 dams are being constructed for generation of power is located in a highly seismic and tectonically fragile area. The Committee has recommended redesigning of thee project by sufficiently reducing the dam height and generation capacity. The committee submitted its report on June 28. The initiation of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Power Project where the NHPC came to the picture in the year 2000 when Brahmaputra Board handed over the project to it, had created great apprehension among people in downstream areas over their fate in the event of a mega earthquake that may cause breach the mega dam. Vociferous protests by the people under the leadership of All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Assam Mishing Students Union led to The people under to formation of the Expert Group following discussion among Assam Government, the AASU and the NHPC. The Expert Group started its study from September 2008 and the necessary fund was provided by the NHPC. Members of the Expert Group included Dr A K Sharma and Dr Chandan Mahanta of IIT, Guwahati, Dr Jatin Kalita, Dr A K Bhagawati, Dr S Kalita and Dr B P Duarah from Gauhati University , Dr S P Biswas and Dr J N Sharma from Dibrugarh University. In view of the Expert Group