In yet another case of flagrant violation of environmental regulations in Uttarakhand, the company working on the 520 Mega Watt capacity Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro electricity project is dumping the excavation and construction debris directly into the Dhauliganga river in Joshimath area of Chamoli district. Officials of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) limited averred that it was not the corporation that was dumping debris into the river which could possibly be the work of another company involved in the power project. In the meanwhile, the illegal dumping in the river has not only altered the colour
It should be noted here that excavated material and debris resulting from the implementation of a hydro electricity power project are supposed to be dumped only at the particular site set aside as the dumping zone. However, in blatant violation of the environmental regulations, the officials concerned are facilitating the dukping of debris directly into the Dhauliganga river. While NTPC officials claim they are not to blame, the sub divisional magistrate here is talking of probing the matter.
As in various hydro power projects being implemented on different major rivers and tributaries in the state, the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro electricity project being implemented by the NTPC is no exception when it comes to violation of environmental regulations.
At the barrage site of the project, workers of the contracted companies are openly dumping excavated earth material and debris using mechanical excavators directly into the Dhauliganga river irrespective of the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The company is presently in the process of constructing the barrage for the Tapovan-Vishnugad project. The dumping of the debris into the river has not only discoloured the water of Dhauliganga but may also end up posing a threat to the acquatic life of the river if not stopped without delay. When this correspondent spoke of the illegal dumping of debris into the river to the NTPC public relations division official Rajendra Singh Jada, he said that the NTPC was not dumping debris into the Dhauliganga. It might be possible that the contractor is dumping the debris. When the sub divisional magistrate Yogendra Singh was told of the issue, he said that a probe will be conducted into the matter.
Regarding the scenario, the locals question whether the NTPC is not responsible to ensure that the contractors work without violating the environmental laws.
Are the contractors not aware that they are required to dump the debris only at the designated dumping zone or do the officials of the NTPC limited not remain present at site to monitor work on such a major 520 Mega Watt hydro power project, question the locals.