Talking Point
TreeTake Network
In a major development on the protection of the fragile upper Ganga river basin and the Himalayan ecosystem in Uttarakhand, the Centre recently submitted to the Supreme Court that it was not in favour of permitting any new hydroelectric projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins, apart from the seven which had either been commissioned or were in advanced stages of construction.
The seven projects are Tehri Stage–II (1000 MW), Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW), Signoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Phata Byung (76 MW), Madmaheshwar (15 MW) and Kaliganga–II (4.5 MW).
The Supreme Court has been examining the question of allowing new hydroelectric projects in the upper reaches of the Ganga river basin since 2013, after the Kedarnath floods. The court is also hearing power companies in this matter, as they have opposed recommendations to halt certain projects.
The Centre said that there was a considerable difference in the Ganga river system as compared to other river systems, adding that, hence, special treatment was required for this region. The geological and ecological integrity needed to be maintained for the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins, which harboured headstreams of the river Ganga, it further said.
“Headstreams are critical for supplying food/nutrients and critical biodiversity to the riverine ecosystem,” it added.
In January, the Supreme Court had granted three months to the Centre to take a final decision on this issue. The Jal Shakti and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change ministries filed a joint affidavit on behalf of the Union Government.
“…on behalf of the Union of India, it is respectfully submitted that only the following seven (07) hydro-electric projects, of which four (04) projects are already commissioned and three (03) projects have already achieved substantial physical and financial progress, may be permitted to proceed, subject to strict compliance with all applicable statutory provisions and environmental safeguards and that no other new hydro-electric projects shall be undertaken in the upper reaches of the Ganga river basin in the state of Uttarakhand,” the Centre’s affidavit said.
“Apart from these seven projects, the Indian government is not in favour of permitting any other new hydro-electric project in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers in the upper reaches of the river Ganga in the state of Uttarakhand,” it was added.
Leave a comment