New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said no to new hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand, which was recently devastated by massive landslides and flash floods killing hundreds of people. The court directed the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) not to grant further clearances for hydroelectric power projects.
The apex court even asked the government to examine if construction of hydro projects was responsible for the recent Uttarakhand tragedy. The court also directed MoEF to constitute an expert body to make a detailed study as to whether hydroelectric power projects existing and under construction have contributed to the environmental degradation and if so, then to what extent.
"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," a bench headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan said.
The MoEF has been asked to examine if the proposed 24 hydropower projects in the state were causing significant impact on the biodiversity of Alaknanda and Bhagirath River basins."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," it said.
"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.
The Disaster Management Authority in Uttarakhand will be submitting a report to the court as to whether there is any disaster management plan in place in the state and how effective that plan was for combating the recent unprecedented tragedy in the state.
Hundreds of people lost their lives after floods and landslides hit Uttarakhand in June and many regions were completely destroyed.
(With additional inputs from PTI)
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