Locals and activists are complaining about consistent leakage from the four kilometre long power channel of Srinagar dam project constructed in Tehri and Pauri districts for some days now. Residents of Mangsu, Surasu and other hamlets complain that they fear major damage due to the leakage which has also caused water logging in their farms that is also causing damage to the crops.
Vimal Bhai of Matu Jansangathan said that in 2015 these villages were waterlogged due to a leakage in the canal. “At that time, the state government had set up a cabinet committee comprising two ministers and on the recommendation of this committee, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology had submitted its report on the issue. The report concluded that the location as well as construction of the power channel was flawed. The institute had recommended detailed study in collaboration with other institutes following which the executing company undertook some tasks at various points of the canal without having done any study of any kind. We believe that the company has ignored and overlooked people’s safety. The question about the cause of the leakage has not been worked upon. The situation has become more serious due to governmental apathy,” he said.
The activist further said that there have been continuous doubts about the Srinagar dam project ever since it was constructed. Issues like unhygienic water for drinking, unpaid compensations to people, lands taken on lease not being paid till date and other assurances have remained unresolved. Matu Jansangathan is demanding that action be taken without delay on the report of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Further, the damage being caused due to leakage in the power channel should be compensated for by the dam construction company. Pending cases should be urgently resolved by the Government with the company’s cooperation.