Kinnaur Hydel Projects Could Trigger Joshimath-like Disaster: Green Activists

The Wire

Local green activists and other environmental groups have appealed to the central government to halt the construction of hydel projects in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. They warned that continuing the construction will lead to a situation worse than the recent disaster of land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand.

The Kinnaur district is home to several rivers and streams, including the Sutlej and its tributaries. The area is rich in biodiversity and is considered a sensitive ecological zone. However, the construction of hydel projects has been going on in the area for several years, leading to widespread protests from local communities and environmental activists.

Image: Down to Earth

The latest appeal to stop the construction of hydel projects in Kinnaur comes after the recent disaster in Joshimath, where the land began sinking and the town had to be evacuated. Green activists have warned that the construction of hydel projects in Kinnaur could lead to a similar disaster, as the area is prone to seismic activity and landslides.

Also Read: Kinnaur Locals Fear Hydropower Projects Will Destroy Chilgoza Trees

According to reports, the district currently has 22 such big and small projects. The environmental groups have requested that the expert appraisal committee, which oversees river valley projects for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, address the issue during their upcoming meeting to reconsider the Sutlej river basin cumulative environmental impact assessment (CEIA) report.

These groups have pointed out that the existing 4,000 MW hydroelectricity projects have already had “irreversible and multiple negative impacts” on the local panchayats of the upper Sutlej river basin, and have expressed scientific objections and opposition to any further construction. They have accused the state government of ignoring the concerns of the local communities and pushing ahead with the projects, despite the risks involved.

Image: PERI India

The green activists have demanded that the central government intervene and halt the construction of the hydel projects in the region. They have also called for a comprehensive review of the environmental impact of these projects and for the concerns of local communities to be taken into account.

The recent disaster in Joshimath has raised concerns about the safety of hydel projects in the region and has highlighted the need for more stringent regulations and safety measures. It remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the appeal of the green activists and whether the construction of hydel projects in Kinnaur will be halted or not.

Via: Hindustan Times | TOI