locals in Joshimath, alarmed by the geological and related effects of the 520 mega watt capacity Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro-electricity project, fear that the very existence of Joshimath town and various villages in the region is being threatened. While the water seepage in a project tunnel at Selang has continued for about four years now, land subsidence has continued in various locations including a portion of the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway 58 near Marwadi. When various buildings in Ravigram village developed cracks, the villagers got the work stopped at the project site after which the company officials concerned visited the village to inspect the damage to buildings.
The Tapovan-Vishnugad project being implemented by NTPC limited on the Dhauliganga river in Chamoli district has elicited controversy since work was started on the project in 2006. About four years ago, considerable seepage of water in the project tunnel in Selang elicited concern and claims but in absence of effective action, the seepage has continued to this day.
The continuing water seepage in the tunnel has led to many water sources in Joshimath drying out. The tunneling work has been stalled due to a tunnel boring machine stuck in the tunnel for three years now. The multinational l&T which was undertaking the tunneling work here withdrew from the task and since then the tunneling work has not resumed.
It should be mentioned here that Joshimath and other parts of the region are geologically active and vulnerable to disasters like landslides and land subsidence. locals and activists have repeatedly expressed concern at the continued sinking of land near Marwadi where a stretch of the NH 58 is also sinking.
Recently, residents of Ravigram village got work on the project stopped after many buildings in the village developed cracks. Following this, NTPC officials visited the village to inspect the damage suffered by the buildings.
The NTPC AGM AK Singh said that there is a sliding zone above Ravigram which is causing land subsidence in the area. locals are questioning the construction of the project in a a geologically vulnerable area.