Government informs Supreme Court: No new hydel projects in upper Ganga basins of Uttarakhand.
The Union government, through a common affidavit from the Ministries of Environment, Jal Shakti, and Power, informed the Supreme Court that no new hydroelectric projects will be permitted in the upper reaches of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins in Uttarakhand. This decision excludes seven already commissioned or substantially built projects. The rationale for allowing these seven to continue includes substantial public and private investment, their location outside the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone, and no flagging by expert bodies. The government cited cumulative impact of dams, seismic fragility, and past disasters like the 2013 Kedarnath floods for its hardened stance, rejecting even five projects previously under consideration.
Key Points
- The Union government has decided against permitting new hydroelectric projects in the upper Ganga river basins in Uttarakhand.
- This stance was communicated to the Supreme Court via a joint affidavit from three ministries.
- Seven existing or near-complete projects are exempt due to investment and environmental assessments.
- The decision is based on concerns about cumulative impact, seismic fragility, and past disasters in the region.
- This marks a shift in the Power Ministry's position, aligning with environmental concerns.
Exam Facts
- Ministries involved: Environment, Jal Shakti, and Power.
- River basins: Alaknanda and Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand.
- The decision follows the 2013 Kedarnath floods.
- Seven projects totaling over 2,150 MW are allowed to continue.
- Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan was constituted by the SC in August 2024.
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