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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | SC Prohibits New Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand

SC Prohibits New Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand

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published Published on Aug 14, 2013   modified Modified on Aug 14, 2013
-Outlook


Expressing concern over the recent tragedy in Uttarakhand, the Supreme Court today prohibited setting up of any new hydroelectric power project in the state and directed the Centre to constitute an expert body to study environmental degradation caused by such projects.

The court directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Uttarakhand government not to grant any further environmental or forest clearance for any hydroelectric power project until further orders.

"We are also deeply concerned with the recent tragedy, which has affected the Char Dham area of Uttarakhand... leading to large scale calamity leading to loss of human lives and property," a bench headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan said while directing the Centre to find out whether the proposed 24 projects are causing adverse impact on the biodiversity of Alaknanda and Bhagirath river basins.

"MoEF is directed to constitute an expert body consisting of representatives of the state government, WII (Wild Life Institute of India), Central Electricity Authority, Central Water Commission and other expert bodies to make a detailed study as to whether hydroelectric power projects existing and under construction have contributed to the environmental degradation, if so to what extent and also whether it has contributed to the present tragedy occurred at Uttarakhand in the month of June," it said.

The bench, also comprising Justice Dipak Misra, directed Uttarakhand's Disaster Management Authority to submit a report within three months as to whether it had any disaster management plan is in place for the state and how effective that plan is for combating the present unprecedented tragedy.

The bench, in its 72-page verdict, said, "We direct the MoEF as well as state of Uttarakhand not to grant any further environmental or forest clearance for any hydroelectric power project in the state of Uttarakhand, until further orders."

Disposing of a batch of petitions of various firms and others including Alaknanda Hydro Power Company, it said that a "detailed scientific" study was needed to ascertain adverse effects of existing, under-construction and proposed hydroelectric power projects on the environment and ecology of the state.

"MoEF is directed to examine... As to whether the proposed 24 projects are causing significant impact on the biodiversity of Alaknanda and Bhagirath River basins," it said.

The bench expressed its concern over the "mushrooming" of hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand and their impact on Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins.

"We are, however, very much concerned with the mushrooming of large number of hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand and its impact on Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins.

"Various studies also indicate that in the upper-Ganga area, including Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers and their tributaries, there are large and small hydro power dams. The cumulative impact of those project components like dams, tunnels, blasting, power-house, muck disposal, mining, deforestation etc. On eco-system, is yet to be scientifically examined...," it said.

The court, in its judgement, dealt with the issue of "safety and security" of dams and said it was of "paramount" importance as any breach may lead to loss of lives and environmental disaster.

"Dam safety and security is a matter of paramount importance, failure of which can cause serious environmental disaster and loss of human life and property. Proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of dams is essential to ensure for safe functioning of the Dams," it said.


Outlook, 13 August, 2013, http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=806916


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