Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydroelectric Power Project(4×130 MW),an under construction Project on Dhauliganga River in District Chamoli Uttarakhand, was granted Environment Clearance (EC) by the MoEF&CC on 8th February, 2005 under the provisions of EIA Notification, 1994,stipulating suitable standard and project specific environmental safeguard conditions regarding ecological flow, catchment area treatment, monitoring of implementation of the suggested safeguard measures by the Multi-disciplinary Committee, so as to minimize the environmental impacts of the project on the natural environment.
The project was hit by an exceptional massive glacial debris flow on 7th February, 2021. According to a study conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in May, 2021 sudden change in hydro-meteorological conditions (heavy snowfall followed by sudden warmer climate) possibly triggered the huge snow and rock avalanche/ landslide, resulting flash flood in the downstream.
According to M/s NTPC Ltd. i.e., Project Proponent, after the incident on 07.02.2021 a team of experts comprising of design experts from Central Water Commission (CWC) along with experts from Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), New Delhi visited the Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydropower Project site to assess the project condition and inter-alia recommended for thorough inspection and examination of 1) Structural competency, 2) Horizontal as well as vertical alignment, 3) Any deformations and/ or cracks etc.; accordingly, Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai conducted a test for structural integrity of barrage structures. After testing, structures are found integral and repairable. Manual Early Warning System is already in place and round the clock monitoring is being done. Automatic flood warning system is also under implementation at 6 locations.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, today.
