PUBLISHED IN http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/imgst.aspx?filename=40641
REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CIVIL APPEAL NO. 6736 OF 2013@
(SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO.362 OF 2012)
ALAKNANDA HYDRO POWER CO. LTD. ……APPELLANT
Versus
ANUJ JOSHI & ORS. …….RESPONDENTS
WITH
Civil Appeal Nos.6746-6747 of 2013
(Arising out of SLP(C) No.5849-5850 of 2012)
and
T.C. (C) No.55 to 57 of 2013
J U D G M E N T
K.S. Radhakrishnan, J.
Leave granted.
2. Srinagar Hydro Electric Project (SHEP) located in Tehri / Pauri Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh was a project envisaged by the then Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board (UPSEB) on river Alaknanda, which was basically run-of-the-river scheme.
3. The Techno-Economic approval of the scheme was granted for 200 MW by
the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), a competent authority exercising
powers under Section 29 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, in its
meeting held on 6.11.1982, subject to the environmental clearance from the
Ministry of Environment. SHEP was later segregated from twenty two other
Ganga Valley projects. A separate Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) was
made on the SHEP on 9.2.1985. No adverse affect had been noticed on
environment in that assessment on setting up of the Project. On the
contrary, it was felt that such a scheme would add to the richness of the
scenic beauty by creation of beautiful lakes attracting more tourists and
also meet the energy requirements of the State and could be completed
within a short span of five years. Dhari Devi Temple, it was noticed, was
likely to be submerged in water, therefore was also considered while
considering the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It was suggested
that temple would be raised and created with a pleasing architecture
suiting the surroundings.
4. The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) granted Environmental
Clearance for the project to UPSEB vide its letter dated 03.05.1985 subject
to certain safeguards.
The project involved diversion of forest land to
the extent of 338.38 hectares which was cleared by the Forest Department
vide proceeding No. 8-227/86-PC dated 15th April, 1987, in accordance with
Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Project involved
construction of concrete gravity dam affording a gross storage of 8 Mcum
water conductor system designed for 660 cumecs and a power house with an
installation of six units of 55 MW each. UPSEB later carried out a
detailed study and submitted a report stating that taking into
consideration the peaking capacity, the installed capacity of the project
would be increased from 200 MW to 330 MW. CEA approved and granted the
Techno-economic clearance in the enhanced capacity of 330 MW vide its
letter dated 18.12.1987.
Planning Commission vide its letter dated
29.01.1988 accorded the investment approval. UPSEB started
the work but due to the paucity of funds the project could not make any
effective progress.
5. The Government of India, in the meanwhile, had liberalized the policy
to encourage private participation in power development. Consequently, the
UP Government following the above mentioned policy decided to invite
private investment in the development of energy sector especially with
regard to the Srinagar Hydro Electric Project. Consequently, the State
Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with M/s
Duncan Industries Ltd. on 27th August, 1994 for development of the project
and in terms of the MOU, M/s Duncan Industries Ltd. had established a
generating company ‘Duncan North Hydro Power Co. Ltd.’. The project was an
ongoing project and most of the infrastructure required for the execution
of the project had already been arranged by the State Government. The
Department of Energy and Government of Uttar Pradesh then wrote to the MoEF
by letter dated 04.09.1997 to transfer the environmental clearance earlier
granted to the UPSEB to the Duncans so that the safeguards against
environmental degradation while clearing the project might be implemented
by the Duncans.
6. M/s Duncan submitted a revised EIA report and DPR to the MoEF on
25.01.1996 and it was also conveyed that the project of the enhanced
capacity of 330 MW had to be transferred to the Duncans. MoEF following
the letters dated 25.01.1996 and 18.06.1998 on the subject transferred
environmental clearance to Duncans for 330 MW on 27.07.1999 subject to the
condition that the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance
already granted and any other conditions, if stipulated in future for
protection of the environment would be fulfilled by Duncans. CEA also
issued the Techno Economic clearance for implementation of the Project vide
it letter dated 14.06.2000 to Duncans.
7. The Duncans had also given up the project after carrying out some
work and in its place came the appellant - Alaknanda Hydro Power Company
Ltd. (AHPCL). Request was then made to the MoEF by AHPCL for transfer of
the environmental clearance granted to 330 MW Srinagar Hydro Electric
Project in its favour. Request was favourably considered by the MoEF and
vide communication J-12011/6/96/ IA-I dated 27th March 2006 MoEF
transferred the environmental clearance in favour of AHPCL stating that it
was with the approval of the competent authority.
8. First respondent along with few others filed Writ Petition (PIL) No.
137/2009 before the High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital to quash the
above mentioned order and sought a CBI inquiry relating to the enhanced
capacity of 330 MW mentioned in the letters dated 27.07.1999 and
27.03.2006. Direction was also sought for against AHPCL to stop the
construction of the Hydro Power Project and also for other consequential
reliefs. Writ Petition was disposed of on 19.04.2011 with a direction to
AHPCL to approach the MoEF for a specific decision as to the clearance for
increased capacity of generation and increased height of the dam. The MoEF
was directed to take a decision within a period of three months. Court,
however, noticed that the clearance had already been given by the MoEF in
the year 1985 which stood transferred in favour of AHPCL for construction
of the dam for generation of 200 MW of electricity and 63 metre height of
the dam. The Court also ordered that the construction of dam for the said
height and for generation capacity of 200 MW would not be stopped but the
construction beyond that limit could be proceeded only after clearance is
sought from the MoEF.
9. MoEF as directed by the High Court considered the entire matter
afresh and rendered a specific decision dated 03.08.2011clarifying that
transfer letter dated 27.03.2006 in favour of AHPCL was for 330 MW. The
operative portion reads as follows:-
“The matter has been reviewed by the Ministry and it is to clarify
that while transferring the environment clearance dated 3rd May, 1985
of the Project in the name of Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board
(UPSEB) to M/s. Duncans North Hydro Power Company Limited vide this
Ministry’s letter No. 12011/6/96-IA-I dated 27.7.1999 (copy
enclosed), the Ministry had reviewed that increased capacity from 200
MW (4X50 MW) to 330 MW (5X66 MW) and associated parameters like
change in dam height from 73m to 90m from the deepest foundation and
FRL from EL 604.0m to 605.5m. The Ministry also noted that there was
a change in the submergence from 300 ha to 324.074 ha, however Forest
land remained the same i.e. 338.36 ha dated 15th April, 1987 which
will be the final Forest Land for the Project. Therefore, the final
parameters for the project are as follows:-
i) Submergence area – 324.074 ha
ii) Forest land for diversion – 338.86 ha
iii) Capacity – 330 MW (4X82.5 MW)
iv) Dam height from the deepest foundation – 90 m
v) Dam height for the river bed level – 66 m
vi) FRL – EL 605.5 m
vii) MDDL – EL 603.0 m
viii) Dam top Road level – 611.0 m
In view of the above, I am directed to clarify that the transfer of
environment clearance from DHPCL to Alaknanda Hydro Power Company
Limited (AHPCL) vide this Ministry’s letter No. J-12011/6/96-IA_I
dated 27th March, 2006 is of 330 MW capacity with the above mentioned
parameters. The Ministry has further noted the change in the units
from 6X55 MW to 4X82.5MW, as approved by CEA.
This has approval of the Competent Authority.”
10. MoEF though clarified the position as directed by the High Court, the
first respondent herein along with one Dr. Bharat Jhunjhunwala preferred
Writ Petition (PIL) No. 68 of 2011 before the High Court of Uttarakhand at
Nainital on 09.08.2011 challenging the order dated 03.08.2011.
11. Writ Petition was disposed of by the High Court directing AHPCL to
place the documents mentioned in Schedule IV to the Notification dated
27.01.1994 before MoEF and the Ministry was directed to take steps to hold
a public hearing as envisaged in the Notification. Further, it was also
ordered that the notice should mention that the public hearing would be
given at Dhari Devi Temple premises and that the Commissioner, Pauri
Garhwal to be present at the public hearing. Further, Court also noticed
that the construction work had progressed to a great extent and at no
stage, there was any objection to the construction of the project having a
capacity of 200 MW and, therefore, did not stop the construction, however,
it was made clear that the same would be subject to the decision taken by
the MoEF.
12. AHPCL, aggrieved by the above mentioned judgment, has preferred this
appeal by raising the core issue with regard to the applicability of EIA
Notification dated 27.01.1994 in a case where the project had been granted
environmental clearance for 200 MW on 3.05.1985 and thereafter for 330 MW
by the MoEF on 15.4.1987 and approved by CEA on 18.12.1987, followed by the
sanction accorded by the Planning Commission on 29.1.1988.
13. Respondents 1 and 2 in Civil Appeal arising out of SLP (Civil) No.
362 of 2012 also filed SLP (Civil) Nos. 5849-5850 of 2012 challenging the
order of the High Court dated 3.11.2011 and the order dated 5.12.2011
passed on the review petition contending that the finding recorded by the
High Court that they had not questioned the environmental clearance for 200
MW, was incorrect. They also wanted the stoppage of the project till the
procedure laid in the EIA Notification 2006 is complied with including the
holding of a public hearing.
14. Mr. M.L. Lahoty, learned counsel appearing for the appellant – AHPCL
submitted that EIA Notification dated 27.01.1994 (as submitted upto
07.07.2004) would operate only prospectively and that too only to those
projects which are either ‘new’ or ‘expansion or modernisation’ of the
existing project is proposed after 1994 Notification. Learned counsel made
reference to the judgment of this Court in Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union
of India and Others (2000) 10 SCC 664 and submitted that the Notification
would operate only prospectively. Learned counsel pointed out that public
hearing was expressly excluded by para 4 of the Explanatory Note to the
Notification in respect of projects like Srinagar Hydro Project where
neither large displacement is involved nor is there severe environment
ramification. Further, it was also pointed out that the expansion of the
project from 200 MW to 330 MW was granted in the year 1987 prior to the
notification and even the original EIA of 1994 would not apply. Further,
it was also pointed out that Amendment Act 77 of 2004 was incorporated
simultaneously with the explanation along with two Entries Nos. 31 and 32
to bring within its purview the “new construction projects” and “new
industrial estates”. Learned counsel pointed out so far as the Hydro
Projects are concerned, they are not covered by the said two newly
introduced Entries as from the very inception of 1994 notification, Hydro
Power Projects are covered by Rule 2 of Schedule 1 and therefore the
explanation so inserted also has no application. Consequently, the concept
of ‘plinth level’ is also not applicable as it goes with the applicability
of the Explanation.
15. Learned counsel also pointed out that the environmental clearance
even otherwise was issued in the light of the specific decision of MoEF
dated 03.08.2011 clarifying that the transfer letter of 27.3.2006 in favour
of AHPCL was for 330 MW. Learned counsel in support of his contention
made reference to the judgment of this Court in Lafarge Umiam Mining (P)
Ltd. v. Union of India, (2011) 7 SCC 338. Learned counsel also pointed out
that the project in question was conceptualized more than three decades
back. As on date the project stands almost completed and more than Rs.4000
cores had been invested and therefore, there is no question of holding a
public hearing at this stage. Further, it was also pointed out that State
Government had ascertained views of the local inhabitants, public
representatives, Gram Panchayat, Shopkeepers, Temple Pujaris, Trust,
devotees etc. and it was considering their views, the MoEF granted
environmental clearance and also forest clearance for the project.
16. MoEF in the counter affidavit filed on 25.7.2012 stated that the
project in question was granted environment clearance in the year 1985 and
hence it would not come under the purview of EIA Notification of 1994 or
EIA Notification of 2006 which replaced the EIA Notification of 1994.
Further, it was stated that the construction of project was already in an
advance stage and hence public hearing would be an empty formality, since
the purpose of public hearing is to know the concerns of the affected
people and to incorporate their concerns appropriately into the Environment
Management Plan (EMP) for the project and it is after incorporation of the
concerns and revising/modifying the EMP, the final EMP would be submitted
to the MoEF for granting environmental clearance to the project. MoEF has,
therefore, taken the stand that since environmental clearance to the
project had already been granted in the year 1985 prior to the coming into
force of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and the EIA Notification
of 1994, no public hearing was necessitated.
17. Shri Lahoty also pointed out that so far as the issue of Dhari Devi
temple is concerned, the Joint Committee had endorsed and recommended that
upliftment of the temple adhering to the INTACH plan is the best option and
has found wide acceptability amongst Temple Samiti, Pujari, local
inhabitants as well as local statutory authorities. Elaborate arguments
were also addressed by the learned counsel on muck Management and submitted
and that they had substantially complied with the proposed directions under
Section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act. Arguments were also
addressed on the Catchment Area Treatment Plan and submitted that an amount
of Rs.22.30 crores was deposited with the Forest Department way back in
2007-09. Further, it was also pointed out that the AHPCL had spent about
40 crores for rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people in the
catchment area. For Greenbelt Development, it was pointed out that an
amount of Rs.2.30 crore was made available to the State of Uttarakhand by
AHPCL. Learned counsel, therefore, submitted that the respondents are
unnecessarily creating hurdle in the completion of the project and
litigation is not in public interest but for advancing the private interest
of the respondents.
18. We may indicate while going through the averments made in the writ
petition as well as the impugned judgment and the pleadings of the parties,
it is seen that the question that was primarily raised before the High
Court was with regard to the necessity of a public hearing and also whether
the sanction had been accorded to construct the project with the capacity
of 330 MW. This Court in Narmada Bachao Andolan case (supra) has held that
the 1994 Notification applies only prospectively, in any view so far as
this case is concerned the environmental clearance cannot be an issue in
view of the specific stand taken by MoEF and the orders dated 03.08.2011
passed by MoEF which can also be considered as an ex post facto approval.
SHEP, it may be noted, is an ongoing project for which environmental
clearance was granted as early as in the year 1985 and forest clearance in
the year 1987. Further, about 95 % of the work is already over and nearly
Rs.4,000 crores has been spent. If public hearing is found necessary then
the same should have held before granting environmental clearance. The
purpose of public hearing, it may be noted, is to know the concerns of the
affected people and to incorporate their concerns appropriately into the
EMP and it is after incorporation of the concerns and revision/modifying
plan, the final EMP would be submitted to the MoEF for granting
environmental clearance. Environmental clearance, in the instant case, had
been granted in the year 1985 and the project is an ongoing project which
is now nearing completion and, therefore, no purpose would be achieved by
way of a public hearing at this stage. We also notice from the various
Committees’ reports and the report dated 3.5.2013 that they had met the
temple trustees, priests and residents of the locality, they had not raised
any objection for not holding a public hearing. Further, the State of
Uttarakhand has also never canvassed for a public hearing nor any complaint
was received by the temple authorities or the worshippers raised any
complaint of not holding any public hearing there. We, therefore, set
aside the direction given by the High Court directing the MoEF to hold a
public hearing.
19. We find that a new dimension has been added to this litigation by
initiating certain proceedings by group of litigants before the National
Green Tribunal, New Delhi. MoEF also, on 30.06.2011, in exercise of powers
conferred under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 passed
a stop work order directing AHPCL to attend certain environmental issues
which included (i) mounting Dhari Devi temple at a higher elevation as per
the Plan prepared by INTACH (ii) maintain and manage muck at the various
muck disposal sites by providing retention wall, slopes, compacting and
terracing etc. (iii) develop greenbelt (iv) Catchment Area Treatment (v)
undertaking Supana Query restoration (vi) maintain minimum environmental
flow etc.
20. The second respondent and few others then approached NGT vide Appeal
No. 9 of 2011 praying for some rigours orders against AHPCL. The appeal
was, however, disposed of by NGT directing MoEF to take a final decision
within a period of eight weeks. No decision was taken by the MoEF within
the time granted by the NGT which led AHPCL filing M.A. No. 103/2012 before
the NGT to revoke Section 5 directions and allow AHPCL to continue the
construction work of the project.
21. The Tribunal (NGT) disposed of the application on 07.08.2012
expressing its anguish for not disposing of the matter within the time
granted by it. The AHPCL submitted that in spite of the fact that it had
complied with all the requirements stipulated in the notice dated
30.06.2011, unnecessarily the project was held up causing huge financial
loss to it. AHPCL also sought a direction to transfer all the cases from
NGT to this court to be heard along with the appeal. Consequently, all
those related matters were transferred to this case Court and were heard
along with these appeals.
22. We asked the Secretary, MoEF, when the matter came for hearing, as to
whether the conditions stipulated in its order dated 30.06.2011 had been
complied with by the project proponent. Committee headed by Dr. B.P. Das
was constituted by MoEF to examine whether the project proponent had
complied with the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance
granted in May 1985 as well as Order dated 30.06.2011 and the copy of the
Das Committee report of August 2012 has been made available.
23. Reference was also made to the B.K. Chaturvedi Committee Interim
Report, as well as the final report, with regard to the environmental flow
of Alakhnanda, Bhaghirthi and other tributaries of Ganga which has also
made some reference to this project as well. After noticing Das Committee
Report and after hearing learned counsel on either side, this Court thought
it appropriate to constitute a joint team consisting of officials of MoEF
as well as State Government so as to conduct an on the spot inspection of
the project area in question and to examine whether the project proponent
had complied with all the conditions stipulated in the environmental
clearance of May 1985 as well as Order dated 30.06.2011 of the MoEF, which
also referred to the issue of the protection of Dhari Devi Temple. The
joint team was directed to give an opportunity of hearing to second
respondent as well. We have taken such a course to give a quietus and
finality to the various issues which are long standing.
24. The Joint Team consisted of Professor R. Ramesh National Centre
Coastal Zone Institute, Chennai, Mr. Gambhir Singh, Chief Conservator of
Forests, Garwhal, Prof. R. Sakthivakivel, International Water Management
Institute, Mr. Lalit Kapur, Director, MoEF and Dr. Arun Kumar, CSO, AHEC,
IIT Roorkee as a Chairman of the Committee. This 5-members Committee
visited the project site including MUCK disposal sites on May 1st and 2nd
2013 and heard the second respondent as well as the AHPCL. The Committee
also visited Dhari Devi temple site and met trustees, priests and few
residents of village Dhari. The Committee also visited the catchment area.
The Committee examined as to whether the AHPCL had complied with the
conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance of May 1985 and also
the conditions stipulated in forest clearance of April, 1987. The
Committee also examined whether the AHPCL had complied with the conditions
communicated under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act 1986 vide
letter dated 30.06.2011, also issues with regard to Dhari Devi Temple. The
Committees, after considering all those aspects, submitted its report on
03.05.2013. The operative portion of the same reads as follows:
“2. Compliance of Conditions stipulated In Environmental Clearance
of May, 1985.
1. Fuel Wood should be provided to the construction stage so as to
prevent indiscriminate falling of trees in the neigbouring areas.
The budgeted estimate should therefore, be suitably augmented.
The AHPCL has informed that they have made arrangements through their
contractor to supply cooking gas for all the workers of the project.
Nearly three to four hundred cylinders are used by the workers of all
contractors for cooking requirements. In case of non-availability of
gas, kerosene is used on limited occasions. No fuel wood is used for
cooking or any other purpose. In case of any exigency wood is
purchased from authorized Government/Forest departments by the
contractor.
2.Critically eroded areas in the catchment should be identified for
undertaking time bound soil conservation program in the first phase,
concurrently with the construction works. The catchment area
treatment plans be worked out expeditiously.
Uttarakhand Forest Department has provided a status on the CAT plan
and green belt matter and is placed at Annexure – 2.
Uttarakhand Forest Department is executing the CAT plan through its
four Divisions viz. Narendranagar, Rudraprayag, Garhwal and Civil -
Soyam Pauri Forest Division. The proposed outlay of CAT plan for
five year period was Rs.22.03 crores deposited by the AHPCL in three
instalments (last in April 2009) to the Nodal Officer who in turn
transferred this amount to the CAMPA fund with Govt. of India. In
2010, the funds were transferred to the CAMPA society of Uttarakhand
Govt. for execution of proposed works.
To bring uniformity and for providing directions for finalization of
CAT plans in participatory mode, PCCF Uttarakhand vide letter No.
238/PA and Kha-2023/13-2(2) dated 25 March 2011 issued guidelines for
implementation of CAT plans in participatory mode. Overall framework
for reviewing CAT plans was approved by steering committee of UK
CAMPA in its 3rd meeting on 16th May 2011. Further, the PCCF vide
office Memo NO. 174/13-2(2) dated 03.08.2011 issued preliminary
guidelines with respect to creation of a Project Management Unit
(PMU) for implementation of the CAT Plan. The funds for CAT plan are
being allocated as per original proposal. However, micro-plans are
being prepared in participatory mode by the respective Divisions of
the Forest department following the Procurement Rules, 2008.
In pursuance to the above mentioned facts preparatory phase for the
CAT plan execution was started in 2011-12 during which identification
of sites, consultations with village communities, preparation of
micro-plans by PRA method and awareness campaigns were carried out.
In 2012-13, nursery raising, advance soil works were carried out
together with preparatory activities. Total 133 villages have been
identified for the CAT plan and Division wise distribution of which
is Narendranagar Forest Division – 40 villages, Rudraprayag Forest
Division – 41 villages, Garhwal Forest Division – 21 villages and
Civil-Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 31 villages. Out of the 133
villages micro-plans have been prepared for 76 villages and division
wise status of preparation of micro-plans in Rudraprayag Forest
Division – 34 villages, Garhwal Forest Division – 21 villages and
Civil Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 31 villages. During the
financial year 2012-13, implementation of micro plans was started in
10 villages and during current financial year approximately 60
villages are being taken up for this purpose.
Nursery activities have been selected at Division level. The actual
requirement of the plants is expected to be known on completion of
all micro-plans. Based on estimates saplings are already being
raised in nurseries as Narendranagar Forest Division – 1.5 lacs
saplings, Rudraprayag Forest Division – 5.4 saplings, Garhwal Forest
Division – 1.0 saplings and Civil-Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 1.3
saplings. Through these nurseries afforestation is being taken up
through micro planning of the planned villages in the catchment.
A total sum of Rs.46.22 lacs has been spent so far by the department
during the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13 under the budget
provided by the project.
Further from other sources of funding i.e. 13th Finance Commission
and FDA etc. the forest department of Uttarakhand has treated 882 Ha
area as well as constructed 81 check dams and 10 water ponds in the
catchment of the project.
3. Afforestation should be undertaken on a large scale in the
project area and a 50m wide green belt created around the periphery
of the reservoir.
For afforestation the response has been same as above in 2.
Compensatory afforestation as the Indian Forest Conservation Act
(1980) was completed in an area of 347 ha in district Lalitpur of
Uttar Pradesh (the then combined State) after the forest clearance
accorded in the year 1987.
Based on the estimates provided by Forest department in June 2012 for
a sum of Rs.652.49 lacs to be implemented in six years, AHPCL has
deposited first year budget of Rs.203.6 lacs with the state forest
department for creating Green Belt around the rim of the reservoir of
Srinagar HEP in August 2012.
The state forest department is expecting the Srinagar hydropower
project to be commissioned in Dec. 2013/Jan.2014 and only after
filling the reservoir, they intend to assess the requirement of site
above the submerged area, the selection of species, the type of soil
works etc. and creating the Green Belt accordingly. Therefore they
intend to start the green belt activities only after works of water
reservoir are completed and is filled. The work in the private land
shall be taken up for green belt development through participatory
approach with the land owners.
4. Geo-morphological studies be undertaken in the catchment to
formulate plans for the stability of slopes on reservoir periphery
through engineering and biological measures.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been appointed as the agency for
carrying out the Geo-morphological Studies. Total 9 villages have
been identified. These are Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour,
Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon, Paparasuand and Maliyasu. The studies for
7 villages are completed. Recommendations received for 5 villages
namely Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour, Gandasu and
implemented by the AHPCL. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations
for the displacement of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir
have been complied with. The balance reports are expected to be
received from GSI soon.
Measures comprises of engineering and biological aspects in green
belt area are being implemented by state forest department.
5. A monitoring committee should be constituted, in consultation
with the Department of Environmental to oversee the effective
implementation of the suggested safeguards.
The AHPCL has been submitting the half yearly compliance reports to
the Regional Office of MoEF, Lucknow. The Regional Office also
visited the project site from time to time. The committees of Dr. BP
Das in June 2011, Dr. J.K. Sharma in June 2012, Dr. BP Das in Aug
2012 appointed by MoEF and Shri ADN Rao in Dec.2012 appointed by NGT
have visited the project site and submitted the reports.
The committee is of the opinion that AHPCL should monitor the project
during construction and post construction for various parameters of
water quality, aquatic biodiversity, landslides in the rim area,
inflow and outflow, impacts on water tables and springs and submit
the reports to the State Government and MoEF regularly.
There should a monitoring mechanism at the state level which should
have the data for practicing adaptive management and such monitoring
may be carried out in association with project affective society.
3. Compliance of conditions stipulated in Forest Clearance (FC) of
April, 1987.
1. Legal status of land will remain unchanged.
No change has been reported.
2. Compensatory afforestation will be raised over and equivalent
non forest land.
Compensatory afforestation as per the Indian Forest Conservation Act
(1980) was completed in an area of 347 ha in district Lalitpur of
Uttar Pradesh (the then combined State) after the forest clearance
accorded in the year 1987.
3. The oustees will be rehabilitated as per plan submitted in the
state government.
Since there were no human oustees in the submergence area no
rehabilitation plan was prepared by the State government. However,
Geological Survey of India (GSI) was appointed by AHPCL for carrying
out the Geo-morphological Studies for 9 villages identified as
Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour, Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon,
Paparasu and Maliyasu. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations for
the displacement of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir have
been complied with for the recommendation received from GSI so far.
The balance reports are expected to be received from GSI soon.
Dhari Devi temple coming under the submergence area has been reported
separately.
4. The project authority will establish fuel wood depots and the
fuel wood be provided to construction labor and staff free of cost,
or its cost deducted from the salaries and wages to be paid to the
staff and labor.
The AHPCL has informed that they have made arrangements with the
local gas supplier to supply cooking gas for all the workers of the
project. Nearly three to four hundred cylinders are used by the
workers of all contractors for cooking requirements. In case of non-
availability of gas, kerosene is used on limited occasions. No fuel
wood is used for cooking or any other purpose. In case of any
exigency wood is purchased from authorized Government/Forest
departments by the contractor.
4. Compliance of conditions communicated under Section 5 of EP
(Act) 1986 vide letter dated 30.06.2011.
1. To preserve the religious sanctity and character of the Dhari
Devi Temple, a modified plan will be prepared in collaboration with
INTACH, a Conservation Architect, the local Temple Samity and the
representative of GSI. The Plan should, inter alia, examine how part
of rock on which the platform of the deity has been constructed,
along with the rock that formed its backdrop, shall be mounted at a
higher elevation in such a way that it maintains contact with the
base rock from which it is raised.
2. Only after modified Plan as specified above has been prepared,
the construction shall be resumed at Dhari Devi Temple.
As reported by AHPCL a modified Temple Plan was prepared in
collaboration with INTACH, Temple Samithi and Geological Survey of
India and submitted to MoEF on 12.09.2011 and further intimated to
MoEF on 09.02.2012 for continuation of works as per provisions of
para 14(ii) of Section 5 notice.
Earlier committees which visited sites during 16-17th June, 2012 and
29-30th August, 2012 and B.K. Chaturvedi Committee report April 2013,
have all recommended construction of temple works as per INTACH
scheme. The committee visited the temple site and found the work of
raising the platform was in advance stage of construction with
certain changes made by temple priest and trustees.
3. The muck slope at the edge of the river shall be adequately
protected by a retaining wall of at least 1-2 m height to be 1m above
HFL corresponding to a flood of 2500 to 3000m3/sec in the river.
4. The existing slope of the muck disposed off is around 40-45o and
shall be flattened to 35o. The walls shall be constructed partially
upto a maximum of 2m height and need to be completed to the top with
surface protection before July 2011 when monsoon precipitation
becomes intense. This is considered expedient to prevent sloughing,
sliding of the critically steep much slope and to arrest flow of the
muck into the river. The wall shall be constructive over a length of
almost 1 km stretch at three major sites i.e. the dam, desilting
basin and power house. This would lead to adequate environmental
protection.
5. Muck shall be compacted and Terraces shall be formed where so
ever possible.
As per plan approved by the State forest department there are 10 muck
disposal sites in the project area out of which only sites 8 & 9 are
permanent and others are temporary meant only for construction
duration. A total volume of 66.1 lacs cubic meter of muck was
estimated, out of which 16.79 lacs cubic meter of muck has been
utilized for back filling purpose. Further 12.5 lacs cubic meter is
contemplated to be utilized from muck site 6, 7 and 10 for back
filling. 37.62 lacs cubic meter is planned to be left over at site 3
(2.01 lacs cubic meter), 4(4.22 lacs cubic meter), 6(4.96 lacs cubic
meter), 7(2.39 lacs cubic meter), 8(8.8 lacs cubic meter), 9(12.48
lacs cubic meter) and 10(2.77 lacs cubic meter) for land shaping and
grading. Total muck utilization as on date as informed by AHPCL is
estimated to be about 44%.
A review of water quality parameters (Temperature, pH, Dissolved
Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand) provided by the State Pollution
Control Board, Uttarakhand for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13 measured
in Alaknanda at Rudraprayag i.e. upstream of Srinagar project and in
Alaknanda at Deoprayag i.e. downstream of Srinagar project indicates
that there is negligible difference in the water quality parameters
due to project construction activity.
Slope dressing and toe walls are constructed/being repaired at
temporary sites. Some construction material is stored on site No.6
and the same is planned to be removed after completion of words.
Soil from site No.4 is planned to be removed before monsoon, 2013 as
the batching plant has been removed now. Soil from site no.7 is
being removed now. Slope dressing, Terracing, Toe walls would be
completed in location nos. 8 and 9 where much disposal is going to be
permanent.
Angles of muck disposal sites 4,6,7,8 & 9 were got measured by AHPCL
and are reported as follows: 4 – 21o/25o, 18o/33o, site 6 – 28o/29o,
32o/32o, site 7 – 33o/29o, 37o/36o/27o, site 8 – 31o,32o, site 9 –
35o/36o/35o/37o, 35o/32o.
Slopes of muck disposal areas (angle of repose) are given as 45o at
para 18(3) page no.16 of Report on “Muck Disposable and Management of
Srinagar project” by IIT, Roorkee, November 2008. However MoEF
letter has suggested flattening the slopes up to 35o. The slopes
measured and reported by AHPCL appear to be in order.
Earthen cofferdam in front of power house is planned to be removed
after completion of power house for joining the water from powerhouse
to river through tail water channel and soil to be utilized for back
filling and landscaping. This cofferdam was synonymously referred to
as Muck disposal site no. 10 at Power house location in the section 5
notice dt. 30.06.2011. Disposal Location no. 10 is well behind the
power house coffer dam and has no contact with river water.
All the toe walls which got damaged at the muck disposal sites during
monsoon, should be repaired by AHPCL especially for those sites where
muck is being stored permanently.
The photographs of all muck disposal sites of different time along
with approved muck disposal plan by AHPCL is placed at Annexure – 3.
6. Appropriate protection by plantation and gabions should be put
only after slopes are flattened to 35o, protected by retaining walls
of desired height. Thereafter, appropriate soil cover of 1m shall be
provided to raise plantation for slope protection.
7. Muck disposal site wise restoration plan with the targets shall
be submitted immediately to the MoEF.
In view of the ongoing removal of the muck from sites and
construction activity the plantation is expected to be taken up
thereafter.
8. Green Belt development to be undertaken simultaneously along
with project construction.
Based on the estimates provided by Forest department in June 2012 for
a sum of Rs.652.49 lacs for implementation in six years, AHPCL has
deposited first year budget of Rs. 203.6 lacs with the state forest
department for creating Green Belt around the rim of the reservoir of
Srinagar HEP in August 2012.
The state forest department is expecting the Srinagar hydropower
project to be commissioned in Dec 2013/Jan 2014 and only after
filling the reservoir, the forest department intend to assess the
requirement of sites above the submerged area, the selection of
species, the type of soil words etc. and creating the Green belt
accordingly. Therefore they intend to start the green belt
activities only after works of water reservoir are completed and is
filled. The private land shall also be taken up for green belt
development through participatory approach with the land owners.
9. For expediting Geo-morphological studies by Geological Survey of
India (GSI) and implementation of recommendations before Dam gets
operational. AHPCL shall pursue with GSI and take up the mitigation
measures immediately.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been appointed as the agency for
carrying out the Geo-morphological Studies. Total 9 villages have
been identified. These are Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour,
Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon, Paparasu and Maliyasu. The studies for 7
villages are completed. Recommendations received for 5 villages
namely Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari Kaliyasour, Gandasu and implemented
by the AHPCL. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations for the
relocation of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir have been
complied with. The balance reports are expected to be received from
GSI soon.
Village: Dungripanth
Recommendation of GSI with status
House of Sri Hari Sankar Singh is to be relocated – Complied.
The area falling between +605.90 and 611.00 both Dungripanth and
Dikholi villages may be monitored from safety view point immediately
after impounding of reservoir – Shall be monitored accordingly
House of C.S. Bahuguna needs to be relocated to a safe place –
Complied.
Village : Sendri
Recommendation of GSI with status
4 houses located close to the outer edge of the ridge need to be
relocated to a safer place – Complied
Village – Dhari
Houses and land upto EL +616.00 sshall have to be displaced/acquired
– Complied
Village: Kaliyasour
There would not be major threat from the reservoir to the stability
of slopes where main settlement is located – No action is to be taken
Village Gandasu
Suitable remedial measures for slopes at specific locations are being
recommended –
Action may be initiated after receipt of recommendations
Village: Farasu
Studies conducted, report yet to be submitted.
Village Mehargon
Studies conducted, report yet to be submitted.
10. The Restoration work for Supana Quarry shall be undertaken
simultaneously, leaving the part which is being used for storage of
building material.
Committee observed from the site visit that storage of the building
material has been almost removed and vacated site is being filled
with muck.
11. AHPCL shall maintain a minimum environmental flow as will be
decided by the Ministry on the basis of Study of IIT Roorkee on the
Cumulative Impact Assessment on Alaknanda and Bhaghirathi Basin.
As per the approved Environmental Management Plan of the project,
AHPCL is required to release a minimum of 5 cumecs of water from the
Dam through out the year in the river section of water.
Ministry of Environment and Forest constituted an Inter-Ministerial
Group (IMG) headed by Shri B.K. Chaturvedi to consider the issue
related to hydropower projects and environmental flows in June 2012.
The committee has submitted its report in April 2013 after
considering the report from IIT Roorkee, Wildlife Institute of India
and others as available.
The MoEF is expected to take a decision on this and convey to the
project proponent at appropriate time for compliance.
12. Requisite clearances shall be sought by AHPCL for Alaknanda
River Front Development Scheme before proceeding further on this
scheme.
13. AHPCL shall submit a detailed Action Plan on the above mentioned
directions with time targets along with a Bank Guarantee of Rs.1
crore in favour of the State Pollution Control Board, Uttarakhand.
The Bank Guarantee shall be forfeited in case of non compliance by
AHPCL.
AHPCL informed that the proposed scheme is not a part of approved
EMP/EC of the project. This was an additional proposal from AHPCL.
However, neither proposal nor word has been taken up so far.
A Bank Guarantee of Rs.1 core was submitted through Uttarakhand on
July, 2011.
5. TOR II: The Committee will also submit a full and complete
picture of the project at present.
AHPCL has provided the statement of physical and financial progress
of various work of the Srinagar project as on March 31, 2013 and is
given at Annexure 4. The summary of the same is as below:
Civil Works: diversion tunnel, coffer dams, dam and spillway, head
race tunnel, forebay tank and byepass channel, bridges on the
channel, penstock, power house building, switchyard are 100%
completed. The cross drainage works of Munjh Kot nallah are 93%
completed.
Hydro mechanical works: dam and spillway, head race tunnel, forebay
and byepass and draft tube are 100% completed.
Electro-mechanical works: 3 units are 100% completed whereas unit 4
is under progress.
6.TORIII: In the context of Dhari Devi Temple, which is coming under
submergence of the reservoir, the Committee will suggest best
possible option regarding how to protect the Dhari Devi Temple
without disturbance at its present location.
In the recent time there have been several committees who have gone
through the issue of the submergence of Dhari Devi temple and a
numbers of alternative to prevent the submergence of the Dhari Devi
Temple were studied. These are as follows:
a) Architectural Heritage Division of Indian National Trust for Art and
Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has prepared a plan in consultation with
Dhari Devi Temple Trust, Geological survey of India and AHPCL in Sept
2011.
b) Dr. B.P. Das Committee Aug 2012 recommended that “In view of the
compelling Technical, Social, Religious and Sentimental Reasons
narrated in para 4.2, the feasibility of constructing a dry well
structure to protect the rock mound in situ and “Maa Dhari Devi Idol”
in its existing position is not feasible. The team therefore
recommends for continuation of works of restoration of the temple as
per INTACH proposal”.
c) B.K. Chaturvedi Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) appointed sequel to the
third meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in
April 2012 submitted its report in Sept 2012 where the IMG has
recommended that best solution for saving the temple appears to be
accepting the recommendation of two member committee comprising of
Chairman Central Water Commission and Chairman Central Electricity
Authority represented by its Member (Hydro). The two member
committee examined the following option:
i) Construction of an enclosure bund around temple and surrounding
ghat and access road upto the level of 611m on the banks.
ii) Construction of an concrete well of about 30 meter diameter and
18 meter height around the temple.
iii) Relocation of the temple to a safe location on the left bank of
the river.
iv) Raising the temple above the highest flood level at its current
location and to install the idol at higher elevation at the same
spot with access to the temple through a pedestrian bridge from
the left bank.
v) Construction of 30km long power channel and diversion dam in the
upstream of existing dam.
Keeping in view the limitations and infeasibility of implementing the
first three options the committee recommended the fourth option i.e.
“Raising the temple above the highest flood level at its current
location and to install the idol at higher elevation at the same spot
with access to the temple through a pedestrian bridge from the left
bank.”
This committee visited the Dhari Devi temple on May 02, 2012 and
interacted with trustees, priests of the Dhari Devi temple and few
residents of village Dhari who were In favour of raising the temple
above the highest water level. In fact the committee observed that
the elevated platform of temple is in advance stage of construction
and the preparations are under way for shifting the deities to the
elevated location. The trustee, priests and resident who the
committee interacted are of the opinion of early completion of the
temple at the elevated location.
Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala expressed apprehensions against moving the Dhari
Devi temple to a higher elevation, as it is against the “Rights of
Worship”. He proposed the option of Construction of 30 km long power
channel and diversion dam in the upstream of existing dam.
7. TOR IV: The committee will gather evidence through
photography/videography
The photographs taken during site visit are available at annexure – 5
8. TOR V: The Committee will give personal hearing to Shri
Bharat Jhunjhunwala accompanied by his wife & representatives of the
project proponent i.e. AHPCL who will place their views and records
if any, before the said Committee.
The committee gave personal hearing to Shri Bharat Jhunjhunwala
accompanied by his wife as well as project proponent (AHEC) on May
01, 2013 and heard patiently. The points raised by Shri Bharat
Jhunjhunwala are addressed as below:
a. Sale of power outside the area
The project clearances were accorded in the year 1985 and 1987 during
the period of undivided Uttar Pradesh. The power purchase agreement
of the project is with Uttar Pradesh Govt. utility and free power @
12% of power generated shall be available to Uttarakhand Government
and is in line with the Uttar Pradesh state re-organization Act 2000.
b. Conditions attached to Environmental Clearance 1985
Not in the purview of the committee. He may request to the MoEF for
the safe.
c. CAT Plan
The status on the CAT plan has been given above under the EC and FC
clearance.
d. Compensatory afforestation
The status on the afforestation has been given above under the FC
clearance.
e. Green Belt
The status on the green belt has been given above under the EC and FC
clearance.
f. Geo morphological studies
The status on these studies and resettlement of the likely to be
affected persons has been given above.
g. Dhari Devi Temple
The response is given under TOR 3
h. Muck Disposal
The status of muck disposal sites is elaborated above along with
annexure 3 of photographs of all 10 locations.
i. Stop work order
As informed by AHPCL that in view of NGT order of M.A. No. 103/2012
in Appeal No. 9 of 2011 dated Aug 07, 2012 they are continuing the
construction of work.
Committee also heard AHPCL through a power point presentation. The
AHPCL requested the committee that their project may be allowed to be
commissioned as earliest as possible.
9. RECOMMENDATIONS:
The committee after verifying the conditions and progress of the work
at site and hearing of Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala along with his wife and
project proponent AHPCL and interaction with others in the project
area recommends following:
1. The muck disposal restoration may be done at the earliest. The
necessary covering with top soil, plantation and toe wall for the
permanent disposable site no. 8 & 9 be carried out at the earliest.
2. The catchment area treatment plan and green belt plan being executed
by State Forest department be expedited.
3. An effective monitoring mechanism at the state level which should
have the data for practicing adaptive management be created and such
monitoring may be carried out in association with project affective
society.
4. As the project is in close proximity to habitations having several
national and state institutions/organization, the ongoing
construction activities may be completed at the earliest.”
25. Report is now being questioned by the MoEF, in spite of the fact,
that they constituted the joint team which included the Director, MoEF as
its representative. MoEF, in their written submission, raised an
objection with regard to the proposal to shift Dhari Devi temple to a
higher place which according to the MoEF would wound the religious feeling
of large sections of Hindus. The MoEF felt that the project proponents
plan to lift the temple up on column and preserve it under guidance of
INTACH which could not possibly be a viable solution in view of the recent
judgment of this Court in Orissa Mining Corporation v. MoEF [(2013) 6 SCC
476] which says that the religious faith, customs and practices of tribals
have to be preserved and protected. MoEF in its affidavit dated 6.5.2013
also took that position. The Principal Secretary and State of Uttarakhand
filed their response on 10.05.2013 with respect to the affidavit filed by
the MoEF on 06.05.2013 and the Report submitted by the Joint Team. Forest
Department of Uttarakhand also filed their note indicating their stand.
Detailed written submission has also been filed by the second respondent on
10.05.2013 with regard to the non-compliance of various directions given by
the MoEF in its notice dated 30.06.2011 by AHPCL.
26. Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala - party in person submitted that the High Court
was right in directing a public hearing following the 1994 Notification,
the necessity of the same, according to him, has been highlighted by this
Court in G. Sundarrajan v. Union of India and Others, the judgment of which
is reported in (2013) 6 SCC 620. Dr. Jhunjhunwala has also highlighted
the necessity of keeping Dhari Devi temple on the spot at its present
location. Dr. Jhunjhunwala further submitted that Right to Worship stands
at a higher pedestal than Right to Life under Article 21 and any
disturbance of the temple would violate the Right to Worship at Dhari Devi
temple without any hindrance as guaranteed under Article 25 of the
Constitution of India. Dr. Jhunjhunwala also suggested that the temple
could be saved by making a canal instead of reservoir at the impugned
project and the sacred rock in situ by constructing a dry well of
sufficient height and diameter around it and providing pilgrim access to it
by building an approach road.
27. We have gone through the affidavits filed by the State of Uttarakhand
and we find they have wholeheartedly accepted the B.P. Das Committee Report
and the report dated 3.5.2013 submitted by the Joint Team and also the B.K.
Chaturvedi interim report dated September 2012. When this Court
constituted the Committee on 25.4.2013, this Court directed the inclusion
of the State Government representative as well, so that the State
Government can express its views on various issues including the issue
relating to Dhari Devi temple. State Government in their affidavit, it may
be noted, have not questioned the suggestions made by the Committee in its
report dated 3.5.2013. Consequently, we have to take it that the State
Government has no objection whatsoever with regard to the suggestion made
by the joint Committee in its report dated 03.05.2013 i.e. raising the
temple above the highest flood level at its current location and to install
the idol at higher elevation at the same spot with access to the temple
through a pedestrian bridge from the left bank. The Committee specifically
stated in the report that they had visited Dhari Devi temple site and met
trustees, priests of the temple and few residents of village Dhari and no
objection was raised either by the trustees or priests of the temple on the
suggestion made by the joint team in the report dated 03.05.2013.
INTACH Report:
28. We also find that the Architectural Heritage Division of Indian
National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has prepared a plan
in consultation with Dhari Devi temple trust, Geological Survey of India
and AHPCL and which was submitted to the MoEF on 12.9.2011, which has been
accepted by all the subsequent Committees appointed.
Dr. B.P. Das Committee Report
29. MoEF in compliance with the order passed by this Court in SLP 362 and
5849 of 2012 in Writ Petition No. 68 of 2008 dated 27.07.2012 constituted
B.P. Das Committee vide his Order dated 17.08.2012 to verify whether AHPCL
has complied with the conditions of the environmental clearance granted in
May 1985 and directions of the order issued under Section 5 of
Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 dated 30.06.2011 and to examine the
feasibility of well option of Dhari Devi Temple.
30. We have already referred to in detail the steps taken by AHPCL to
comply with the environmental clearance granted in 1985 and the conditions
stipulated in the MoEF Order dated 30.06.2011, which has also been noted by
the Joint Team constituted on the basis of the directions of this Court.
B.P. Das Committee has elaborately examined the issue regarding restoration
of Dhari Devi Temple in Paras 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2.1, 6.0 of its report of
August 2012 and ultimately came to the conclusion that the proposal made by
INTACH be accepted. The paragraphs mentioned above are extracted hereunder
for easy reference:
“4.0 Restoration of Dhari Devi Temple
The Team visited the temple premises and surroundings on 29th August
2012. Discussions were held with the officials of AHPCL, office bearer
of Aadhyashakti Maa Dhari Pujari Nyas, Shri V.P. Pandey, President
along with Shri Vivek Pandey, Secretary and a Pujari namely Shri Manish
Pandey. A number of local people and people representing different
organizations/groups were present during the discussions. The
following emerged as a result of discussions and interactions.
4.1 Upliftment scheme for Dhari Devi temple prepared in
collaboration with INTACH
• In accordance with the directions issued by MoEF vide dated
30.06.2011; the project proponent had got a restoration plan for
Dhari Devi Temple prepared by INTACH. The construction, as per this
plan, had already begun. Fourteen pillars out of eighteen have been
erected upto 10-15 meters of heights. No Temple work was in
progress on the day of site visit.
• In addition to main Deity ie Maa Dhari Devi, the Plan contains
provision for installation of other deities namely; Hanuman, Shiva,
Havan Room, Prayer Hall, Mother rooms (2nos), office room and
adequate space for passage and congregation of devotees. A total
plan area of 544 sq. Mtr. Has been envisaged in the design of the
temple at 611 meter Elevation and at 614 meter Elevation, as per the
scheme formulated by INTACH.
• The Group explained to the Temple Samity about the concept and
design of Kudala Sangam Temple in Karnataka where a well structure
has been built to house a Samadhi. There was vehement opposition
from the Temple Samiti and the people gathered in an around the
temple to this concept. All the assembled people expressed that
confinement of deity in a well is totally unacceptable to them. The
Temple Samiti explained that Maa Dhari Devi is presently facing a
village called Dhari Village and offering its blessing to the
villagers and thus, protecting them from the perils and penury of
different sorts. Under no circumstances the deity should be hidden
and kept in the well which will cause obstruction to Maa Dhari Devi
from viewing Dhari village. It was explained by them that the top
of the sanctum sanctorium shall have to be kept open to sky and
therefore, a well structure will pose many a problems.
• It was learnt from the Temple Samiti that Maa Dhari Devi is not part
of the base rock. It is placed on a marble/tiled platform on the
rock. The President of Temple Samiti also informed that about 20-22
years back, the deity had once lifted from its earlier position.
• The Temple Samiti expressed their anguish and resentment at the
prolonged delay in completing the temple in its new form as per the
INTACH design. They, along with the local people also informed that
they might execute the remaining work through Kar Seva if an early
decision in their favour is not forthcoming. They stated that they
were fed up in facing Committees after Committees on this issue.
• The Temple Samiti as well as local people expressed the view that in
case of Kudala Sangam in Karnataka State, a Samadhi has been housed
in the well. They opined that there is no parity of reasoning and
therefore, these two are not comparable. Thus, the concept of well
structure of Kudala Sangam is not for a temple and the same cannot
be considered appropriate for adoption in case of Dhari Devi Temple.
They further informed that the temple rehabilitation plan prepared
by INTACH is in conformity with temple architecture prevalent in
Northern Part of India. They further informed that the temple plan
was approved by the State Govt. Of Uttarakhand during year 2009.
• The people also raised security, safety issues and difficulty in
movement of devotees as the congregation would be much more in case
of Maa Dhari Devi temple than Kudala Sangam. The entry and exit
access for a well structure would be through spiral stairs along the
stenning wall which are disadvantageous and accident prone.
4.2 On the feasibility of “Protecting the sacred rock in situ by
constructing a dry-well of sufficient height and diameter around it and
providing pilgrims access to it by building an approach way and a stair
case on the inner wall of the dry-well.”
The team considered the following two alternative options:
i) To protect the “Maa Dhari Devi idol” along with the sacred rock
mound (Shila) by constructing a bigger diameter dry well.
ii) To protect the rock mound (Shila) by constructing a smaller
diameter dry-well in conjunction with the “Maa Dhari Devi Idol”
upliftment scheme prepared in collaboration with the INTACH.
For the reasons and constraints mentioned below the team is of the view
that both the proposals are not feasible.
• A plan area of 544 sq. Meter has been worked out and provisioned for
the temple complex. For a circular structure such as dry well, this
will entail a Bigger diameter (exceeding 50 meter) in order to
accommodate staircases, space for deities and other associated
facilities. This has been examined by Tata Consulting Engineers
also, on behalf of the AHPCL. In view of very large diameter, the
dry well structure would encroach into the river where its width is
already narrow. The construction of dry-well structure will
therefore, need temporary diversion of river water requiring
structures like cofferdam etc. Fresh EIA study and EC for river
diversion arrangements may be required and thereby delaying the
temple construction/rehabilitation work and impounding of the
reservoir.
• The concept of a “Small Dry-well” of around 15m in diameter is not
feasible as four columns (out of eighteen) enclosing an area of
10mX15m around the deity planned from structural consideration that
emerges out of INTACH restoration plan, will be fully interfering
with the 15m well. This dry well from consideration of structural
safety to resist uplift of 17m (anticipated HFL of 609.5 at the
temple due to backwater rise minus base level of 593 m) will need a
solid reinforced concrete (RC) raft of 20 to 22m diameter, which
would mean shattering and removing the entire rock mound below the
deity by the action of Drilling and Blasting. Even an annular raft
will interfere with the central four columns and shatter the sacred
rock during blasting operations. This will defeat the very purpose
of protecting it.
• During field visit, neither the puja samiti / the head priest nor
the large number of devotees gathered there expressed their desire
to go down to the lower level of the rock mound, once Maa Dhari Devi
is installed at EL 614.00 and all other deities will be installed to
complete the religious paraphernalia. The Puja Samity and the
people at large expressed that they would feel hurt and anguished if
the lower rock is encircled by a large well barring an open
exposure.
• The size and nature of sub-structure and its foundation of the well
will depend on the geological strata and formation of river bed
which will govern the actual quantum of work for erecting the
structure. Detailed sub-soil study will be necessary for this.
• Safety arrangements covering a number of aspects have to be provided
such as for emergency evacuation, fire hazards etc. in case a well
option is though of. It will also impede future expansion of the
temple premises which may be essential to cater for the increasing
number of devotees visiting the temple.
• As the top of the well would have to be kept open, the well will be
subjected to heavy rain and occasional cloud burst that may endanger
the safety of deity and devotees. In addition, poor ventilation and
stampede like situation cannot be ruled out. In the net, the well
structure will hinder smooth “darshan” and movement of devotees.
• Structurally, the well will be subjected to huge uplift pressure
making the well unsafe and unstable. This will also entail huge
thickness of wall and heavy founding rafts and thus, making
construction complicated as drilling, blasting and grouting of rocks
will be a necessity.
• The devotees strongly object to any concept of well and expressed
that confinement of Deity Maa Dhari Devi in a well is totally
unacceptable to them. The devotees strongly fell that under no
circumstances the Deity Maa Dhari Devi should be hidden and kept in
a well. They desire that Maa Dhari Devi should continue to face the
Dhari village and offer blessings to the villagers and thus protect
them from perils and penury of all sorts.
• The well structure will go against the local aesthetic and cultural
heritage as prevalent in the region.
In view of the compelling Technical, social, religious, and
sentimental reasons, the scheme of constructing a big/small dry well
structure to protect “Dhari Devi Idol” and the surrounding sacred rock
mound in its existing position is not feasible.
5.2.1 Dhari Devi Temple Rehabilitation Scheme (submission of modified
plan for construction commencement)
There has been adequate compliance by the Project Proponent and they
have proceeded as per advice / directions given vide MoEF letter dated
30.06.2011. The project proponent has also informed the MoEF in
February, 2012 about their program to resume the works as per modified
temple restoration plan that has been prepared in collaboration with
INTACH, a Conservation Architect, involving local Temple Samity and a
representative of GSI. The AHPCL informed the MoEF about resumption of
works on the Temple restoration accordingly.
6.0 Conclusion on Dhari Devi Temple Restoration Proposal.
The group is of the view that the architecture of temple in southern
part of India and in Northern part of India is altogether different.
The INTACH proposal takes care of the people’s acceptability of the
temple in terms of design, plan, facade and overall architecture of the
temple.
The project proponent has gone ahead with the construction of the
uplifting proposal of the temple in compliance with the directions
given under Section 5 of EP (Act), 1986 on 30.06.2011. They have
followed the directions/ advice given under relevant paras of the order
of the MoEF.
In addition to the engineering and construction related impediments in
building a well structure which will encroach into the main course of
the river where it is narrow. There has been tangible progress in the
construction of the temple as per restoration plan prepared by INTACH
and which has got the acceptance of the Temple Samiti and the local
citizen.
The Group does not consider it appropriate to thrust an option against
the faith, belief, expectation of the local people/stakeholders and
which is contrary to cultural heritage of the region. It merits
mention that they are totally opposed and appeared contemptuous to the
very concept of a well structure for housing the deity.
A portion of the base rock is planned to be cut and placed at new
location to form the Deity’s backdrop. The Group noted that the Temple
Samiti and others are in accordance with the overall plan of
restoration of Dhari Devi Temple as suggested by INTACH.
The Group also apprehends public unrest, agitation leading to law and
order problem in the event of thrusting upon them the option of well
structure and other action causing prolonged delay in putting the
temple restoration issue, in accordance with INTACH plan in rest.”
B.K. Chaturvedi Committee Report
31. MoEF constituted an inter-ministerial group (IMG) under the
Chairmanship of Shri B.K. Chaturvedi, Member, Planning Commission on 15th
June, 2012 to review and consider certain issues related to environmental
flows, environmental impact of the hydro-power projects in the upper
reaches of river Ganga and its tributaries such as Bhagirathi and
Alaknanda. MoEF also vide its office memorandum dated 20.7.2012 requested
the Chaturvedi Committee to review the cumulative impact on flow of river
as also the social impacts of the relocation of Dhari Devi Temple situated
upstream of the project. A two-Member Committee consisting of Chairman,
Central Electricity Authority and Chairman, Central Water Commission, both
of them are members of the IMG, was constituted to consider the issue with
regard to Dhari Devi Temple and to make suggestions. The interim report
dated 07.09.2012 (Volume II) of the two-Member Committee on Dhari Devi
Temple reads as follows:
12.3 Construction of Dhari Devi Temple on raised platform
• The proposed structure of Dhari Devi temple on a raised platform on
concrete columns above HFL (at El. +614 m) has been designed by IIT
Roorkee and has got necessary clearance / permission of the State
Government.
• During the visit, discussions were held with several local people
and priest of the temple. All the people met with the Committee
were found very positive towards the construction of Dhari Devi
temple on a raised platform. There was no objection on raising the
temple at higher elevation and so the project works can go on, it
was felt by them.
• The construction of Dhari Devi temple on raised platform would cost
to the Developer of Rs.9.0 crore only.
• It has been reported by the local residents that this temple has
submerged earlier at several times during high floods. Even on 3rd
August, 2012 the water level reached up to the floor level of the
temple (+593 m) and lower part of the temple was filled with silt
and floating debris, as it may seen in the following photograph
taken during visit.
• Even if, the dam would not have been constructed, there is always a
possibility of submergence of the temple during high flash floods.
13. Recommendations of the Two Member Committee
Based on above findings, the recommendations of the TMC are as under:
• Considering the significant progress of the project, the Section 5
may be withdrawn by MoEF at the earliest so that the project works
are resumed at site keeping in view the national interest of hydro
power sector, benefits of local people, project specific local area
development, feelings/views of project affected people, etc.
otherwise it would be an end to hydro power development in
Uttarakhand as well as in the country.
• Since an expenditure of over three thousand crore rupees have
already been incurred on the project, any delay in commissioning
would add to heavy burden of interest during the construction (IDC)
and escalate the cost of the project and would make the tariff
chargeable to consumers completely unviable.
• During the discussion with villagers, it was observed that barring
few individuals, everyone is anxious to see completion of the
project as early as possible. They are in favour of construction of
Dhari Devi temple on raised platform above HFL at the earliest.
• Discussions were held with the officers of UJVNL and they were also
keen in completion of this project in view of the power shortages in
Uttarakhand. The Government of Uttarakhand would get 12% free power
from the project on its commissioning.
14. Conclusion
• The idea of construction of a 30km power channel in lieu of existing
dam cannot be accepted at this stage on account of (i) geological
and geotechnical investigations not done, (ii) enormous cost of the
power channel and new diversion dam, (iii) issue of forest clearance
and land acquisition, (iv) minimum 5 years of construction time, (v)
very high tariff to be paid by the purchaser.
• The Dhari Devi temple is not included in the protected monuments of
Archaelogical Survey of India and it is a local temple to be
worshipped by nearby villagers only. All the local villagers and
the priest of the temple are in agreement with the project
authorities to raise the temple on RCC structure above HFL.
• Option of providing a well surrounding the temple is neither
practical nor acceptable to locals.
32. Final Report was submitted by B.K. Chaturvedi Committee on April 2013
(Vol 1) before MoEF, inter alia, reiterating its interim report on Dhari
Devi Temple. Das Committee, Chaturvedi and Joint Team constituted on the
basis of direction of this Court have, therefore, fully endorsed the views
made by INTACH on Dhari Devi Temple. We find no reason to differ from the
views expressed by the expert committee, which was submitted hearing all
the affected parties, including the Trustees of the Temple, devotees,
Pujaris etc. Committee reports to that extent stand accepted.
33. We are also not impressed by the argument that by accepting the
suggestions of all the expert committees to raise the temple as such to a
higher place, would wound the religious feelings of the devotes or violate
the rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. Sacred rock
on which the temple exits is still kept intact and only the height of the
temple increased so that the temple would not be submerged in the water.
In Orissa Mining Corporation v. MoEF, this Court was examining the rights
of Schedule Tribes and the Traditional Forest Dwellers under the Forest
Rights Act, 2006 in the light of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
This Court held that those articles guarantee the right to practice and
proposals not only in matters of faith or beliefs, but all rituals and
observation. We are of the view that none of the rights of the devotees of
Dhari Devi Temple has been affected by raising the level of the temple,
which remains attached to the Sacred Rock.
34. MoEF proceedings dated 30.06.2011, Report of the Das Committee as
well as the Joint Team dated 3.5.2013 refer to the issue of muck management
and disposal, catchment treatment area plan and green belt and also the
safety of the Dam.
Safety of the Dam
35. Dam safety and security is a matter of paramount importance, failure
of which can cause serious environmental disaster and loss of human life
and property. Proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance
of dams is essential to ensure for safe functioning of the Dams. The
Central Water Commission (CWC) is a premier technical organisation of India
in the field of water resources. The Commission is also entrusted with the
general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering, in
consultation with the State Governments concerned, schemes for control,
conservation and utilisation of water resources throughout the country for
the purpose of flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply and water
power development. Safety of dams, in our country, is the principal
concern of the State Government. The State Government has also to carry
out investigation, planning, design, construction and operation. AHPCL
says, so far as SHEP is concerned, engineering and technical parameters of
the dam are clearly narrated in the detailed project report which, in turn,
are assessed by CEA in consultation with the CEC and GSI. The norms and
regulations laid down by the concerned authorities, and whether those are
strictly followed or not, have to be assessed and monitored by the Nodal
Agency, CEA/Ministry of Power as well as the GSI.
Safety and security of the people
36. Safety and security of the people are of paramount importance when a
hydro electric project is being set up and it is vital to have in place all
safety standards in which public can have full confidence to safeguard them
against risks which they fear and to avoid serious long term or
irreversible environmental consequences. The question as to whether the
recent calamities occurred at Uttrakhand on 16.6.2013 and, thereafter, due
to cloud burst, Chorabari Lake burst due to unprecedented rain and
consequent flooding of Alaknanda river etc. has affected the safety of SHEP
has also to be probed by the MoEF, State of Uttarakhand and Dam Safety
Authority etc.
Muck Management and Disposal
37. Construction of SHEP involving excavation of earth and rock has
generated large quantum and with the objective to protect the disposal
areas from further soil erosion and develop the surrounding areas in
harmony with the environment, the muck disposal plan is formulated. Muck
disposal plan gives quantification of muck, identifies location and
activities wherein muck is generated, during excavation and blasting
operation and quantifies muck generated from the activities with relevance
to disposal areas. The Das Committee visited the project site and
submitted a status report on 29-30 August, 2012 which has dealt with muck
disposal, details of which have already been dealt with in the earlier part
of the Judgment. Report of the Joint Committee dated 03.05.2013 also
refers to the AHPCL’s action plan regarding muck management and disposal
and recommended that remaining work, particularly, of the permanent site
No.8 and 9 be carried out at the earliest. AHPCL has given the details of
the work carried out for muck disposal. Failure of removal of muck from
the project site may also cost flooding of the project areas, causing
destruction to the environment and to the life of property of the people.
MoEF and State Government and all other statutory authorities would see
AHPCL takes proper action and steps for muck management and disposal.
Catchment Area Treatment (CAT)
38. CAT is required to be carried out by the project developer along with
R & R and greenbelt activities, primarily to mitigate the adverse
environmental impact created by the project construction. CAT is also
resorted to reduce the inflow of silt and prevent sedimentation of
reservoirs. CAT management involves steps to arrest soil erosion,
rehabilitation of degraded forest areas through afforestation, controlling
landslide and rockfalls through civil engineering measures and long time
maintenance of afforestation areas. Silt inflows in river water not only
result in reduction in storage capacity of dams, but also lead to increased
wear and tear of turbines. Therefore, CAT is of crucial importance with
regard to hydro electric projects. CAT plan has been prepared by the
Uttrakhand Forest Department and the Project Proponent has paid the
estimated amount of Rs.22.30 crores to the State Forest Department towards
implementation of CAT Plan.
39. We may, in this connection, refer to the brief note submitted by the
AHPCL wherein they have referred to landslide which occurred in the
catchment area of dam Manari Bhali Stage-I in August 1978 blockading the
Bhagirathi River with a dam of muck, about 40 KM upstream of dam. This dam
of muck breached on its over after 12 hours and the monsoon water
accumulated during this period gushed out in form of a wall of water about
20 meter high. The flood receded after a few hours, but the dam did not
suffer any damage. It was pointed that during this flash flood period
boulders up to 250 tonnes in weight had hit and rolled over the dam. The
discharge in the river had risen to 4500 Cum per sec. Further it was also
pointed out that in August 2012, partly constructed Srinagar Dam also faced
similar type of flood. This time due to cloud bursts and breaching of
coffer dams in the project upstreams, the water level at the Dam rose by 17
meters, but after the flood receded, no damage to the dam was noticed. The
discharge in the river had risen to 6500 Cum per sec. AHPCL, therefore,
maintains the stand that the structure of the dam is strong enough to bear
the pressure not less than 6500 Cum per sec of water discharge.
40. The Principal Secretary of Forest Department, Government of
Uttarakhand submitted in a short affidavit dated 10.05.2013, explaining the
steps they have taken. The primary responsibility is on the Forest
Department to carry out effectively the CAT Plan. Proper steps would be
taken by the concerned authorities, if not already taken. MoEF, State
Government and all other authorities will see the same is fully implemented
at the earliest, so also the recommendations made by the Joint Team with
regard to CAT.
Green Belt Development
41. AHPCL, it is seen, has deposited first year budget of Rs.203.6 lakhs
to the State Forest Department for green belt rim of the reservoir in
August 2012. Although green belt area is earmarked the technical documents
based on the maximum flood level in the reservoir, the rim of the
reservoir, could only be determined and developed after reservoir is
impounded. Proper steps would be taken by the Forest Department of
Uttarakhand to carry out the green belt development area in question. The
MoEF, the State Government etc. would see that the proper steps would be
taken by all the authorities including the AHPCL to give effect to the
directions given by the Joint Team.
42. Going through the reports of Das Committee, Chaturvedi Committee as
well as the Joint Team and after perusing the affidavits filed by the
parties, we find no reason to hold up the project which is almost nearing
completion. MoEF, AHPCL, Government of Uttarakhand, Forest Department
would take immediate steps to comply with all the recommendations made by
Joint Team in the report dated 03.05.2013 and also oversee whether AHPCL is
complying with those directions as well.
43. Under such circumstances, the Appeal in SLP (C) No. 362/2012 would
stand allowed and the judgment of the High Court stands set aside.
Consequently the SLP (C) Nos. 5849-5850 of 2012 would stand dismissed. All
the Transferred matters from NGT are also disposed of as above.
Court’s concern
44. We are, however, very much concerned with the mushrooming of large
number of hydroelectric projects in the State of Uttarakhand and its impact
on Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. Various studies also indicate
that in the upper-Ganga area, including Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers and
their tributaries, there are large and small hydro power dams. The
cumulative impact of those project components like dams, tunnels, blasting,
power-house, muck disposal, mining, deforestation etc. on eco-system, is
yet to be scientifically examined. MoEF undertook two studies in the
recent past:
i) Assessment of Cumulative Impact of Hydropower Projects in Alaknanda
and Bhagirathi Basins which was entrusted by National River
Conservation Directorate (NRCD) of MoEF to the Alternate Hydro
Energy Centre (AHEC), IIT Roorkee vide proceedings dated July 14,
2010.
ii) MoEF also vide their proceedings dated 23rd July, 2010 authorized
Wild Life Institute of India (WII), Dehradun to make an assessment
on cumulative impacts of “Hydroelectric Projects on Aquatic and
Terrestrial Biodiversity in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins,
Uttarakhand.
45. AHEC submitted their report to MoEF in December 2011 and WII
finalized its report in December 2012. AHEC made some recommendations on
Geology, seismology, soil erosion, sedimentation etc. Some of the major
recommendations of the study covered the aquatic biodiversity profile,
critically important fish habitats including recommendation on Fish
Conservation Reserve at Nayar River and Bal-Ganga, Tehri Reservoir Complex.
WII made recommendations on impact on aquatic biodiversity and their
habitats, terrestrial component of biodiversity and details about these in
the river basins. Recommendations were also made covering environmental
flows, conservation, reserve, strategic option of regulating impact of
hydropower projects of different categories and impact on aquatic
biodiversity and terrestrial biodiversity in the above mentioned basins.
46. We have gone through the Reports and, prima facie, we are of the view
that the AHEC Report has not made any indepth study on the cumulative
impact of all project components like construction of dam, tunnels,
blasting, power-house, Muck disposal, mining, deforestation etc. by the
various projects in question and its consequences on Alaknanda as well as
Bhagirathi river basins so also on Ganga which is a pristine river. WII in
its Report in Chapter VIII states as follows:
“Para 8.3.2 Present and future scenario
The scenario building for assessing impacts on biodiversity
values portrays very distinctively the present and futuristic trends
of the impact significance of hydropower developments in all the sub-
basins in the larger landscape represented by the Alaknanda and
Bhagirathi basins.
It becomes apparent that because of the fact that many of the
projects are already in stage of operation and construction, the
reversibility in significance of impacts on terrestrial biodiversity
is not possible in sub-basins. Decline in biodiversity values of
Bhagirathi II sub-basin have significantly been compounded by Tehri
dam.
The scenarios provide adequate understanding to make decisions
with respect to applying exclusion approach across the two basins for
securing key biodiversity sites (such as critically important
habitats) and prevent adverse impacts on designated protected areas.
Based on five different scenarios that have been presented the
most acceptable option suggests that the decision with respect to 24
proposed Hydro Electric Projects may be reviewed.”
47. WII report also states that out of total 39 proposed projects, 24
projects have been found to be significantly impacting biodiversity in the
two sub-basins and the combined footprint of all 24 projects have been
considered for their potential to impact areas with biodiversity values,
both aquatic and terrestrial, critically important habitat of rare,
endangered and threatened species of flora and fauna and IWPA projected
species.
48. B.K. Chaturvedi Committee, after referring to both the Reports, in
Chapter III (Volume I, April 2013) stated as follows:
“3.66 The River Ganga has over a period of years suffered
environmental degradation due to various factors. It will be
important to maintain pristine river in some river segments of
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. It accordingly recommends that six
rivers, including Nayar, Bal Ganga, Rishi Ganga, Assi Ganga, Dhauli
Ganga (upper reaches), Birahi Ganga and Bhyunder Ganga, should be
kept in pristine form and developments along with measures for
environment up gradation should be taken up. Specifically, it is
proposed that (a) Nayar River and the Ganges stretch between
Devprayag and Rishikesh and (b) Balganga – Tehri Reservoir complex
may be declared as Fish Conservation Reserve as these two stretches
are comparatively less disturbed and have critically important
habitats for long-term survival of Himalayan fishes basin.
Further, no new power projects should be taken up in the above six
river basins. In the IMG’s assessment, this will mean about 400 MW
of Power being not available to the State.
3.67 Pending a longer term perspective on the Ganga Basin Management
Plan, following policy needs to be followed to implement the hydro
power projects on the River Ganga on Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
basins:
(i) No new hydropower projects be taken up beyond 69 projects
already identified (Annex-VIA-VID).
(ii) New hydropower projects may be permitted to be constructed
with limitations as in Paras 3.52-3.54 above and giving priority to
those projects already under construction.
iii) New hydropower projects which are still under investigation or under
development are not being proposed for implementation. However, two
such projects can be considered and a view taken after technical
assessment by the CEA.
Based on the above, projects at Annex-VID may need a review and
decision till after long term Ganga basin study by IIT Consortium.
3.70 The River Ganga has been a pristine River. Over a period
of years, it has been used for irrigation, drinking water and other
purposes. The efforts to keep it in the pristine form have been
minimal. The IMG felt that it will be necessary to take measures
for ensuring that several parts of it which have so far not been
impacted continue to be in the pristine form. Secondly, it consider
necessary to take measures on pollution, particularly in the upper
reaches and the two basins of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. The IMG,
therefore, recommends that six rivers, including Nayar, Bal Ganga
River, Rishi Ganga, Assi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga (upper reaches), Birahi
Ganga and Bhyunder Ganga rivers should be kept in pristine form no
further hydropower developments should take place in this region.
Further, environment upgradation should be taken up in these sub-
basins extensively.”
49. In the Executive Summary of Chaturvedi Report, on the question of
‘Environmental Impact of Projects’, reads as follows:
17. Development of new hydropower projects has impact on environment,
ecology, biodiversity, both terrestrial & aquatic and economic and
social life. 69 hydropower projects with a capacity of 9,020.30 MW
are proposed in Bhagirathi and Alaknanda basins. This includes 17
projects which are operational with a capacity of 2,295.2 MW. In
addition, 26 projects with a capacity of 3,261.3 MW (including 600
MW Lohari Nagpala hydropower project, work on which has been
suspended by Government decision) which were under construction, 11
projects with a capacity of 2,350 MW CEA/TEC clearances and 16
projects with a capacity of 1,673.8 MW under development.
4.18 The implementation of the above 69 hydropower projects has
extensive implications for other needs of this society and the
river itself. It is noticed that the implementation of all the
above projects will lead to 81% of River Bhagirathi and 65% of
River Alaknanda getting affected. Also there are a large number of
projects which have very small distances between them leaving
little space for river to regenerate and revive.
50. The above mentioned Reports would indicate the adverse impact of the
various hydroelectric power projects on the ecology and environment of
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. The cumulative impact of the
various projects in place and which are under construction on the river
basins have not been properly examined or assessed, which requires a
detailed technical and scientific study.
51. We are also deeply concerned with the recent tragedy, which has
affected the Char Dham area of Uttarakhand. Wadia Institute of Himalayan
Geology (WIG) recorded 350mm of rain on June 15-16, 2013. Snowfall ahead
of the cloudburst also has contributed to the floods resulting in the burst
on the banks of Chorabari lake near Kedarnath, leading to large scale
calamity leading to loss of human lives and property.
The adverse effect
of the existing projects, projects under construction and proposed, on the
environment and ecology calls for a detailed scientific study. Proper
Disaster Management Plan, it is seen, is also not in place, resulting in
loss of lives and property. In view of the above mentioned circumstances,
we are inclined to give following directions:
1) We direct the MoEF as well as State of Uttarakhand not to grant
any further environmental clearance or forest clearance for any
hydroelectric power project in the State of Uttarakhand, until
further orders.
2) MoEF is directed to constitute an Expert Body consisting of
representatives of the State Government, WII, Central
Electricity Authority, Central Water Commission and other expert
bodies to make a detailed study as to whether Hydroelectric
Power Projects existing and under construction have contributed
to the environmental degradation, if so, to what extent and also
whether it has contributed to the present tragedy occurred at
Uttarakhand in the month of June 2013.
3) MoEF is directed to examine, as noticed by WII in its report, as
to whether the proposed 24 projects are causing significant
impact on the biodiversity of Alaknanda and Bhagirath River
basins.
4) The Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand would submit a
Report to this Court as to whether they had any Disaster
Management Plan is in place in the State of Uttarakhand and how
effective that plan was for combating the present unprecedented
tragedy at Uttarakhand.
52. Reports would be submitted within a period of three months.
Communicate the order to the Central and State Disaster Management
Authority, Uttarakhand.
53. In view of above, civil appeals and transferred cases are disposed
of.
……………………………..J.
(K.S. Radhakrishnan)
……………………………..J.
(Dipak Misra)
New Delhi,
August 13, 2013
| | |
REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CIVIL APPEAL NO. 6736 OF 2013@
(SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO.362 OF 2012)
ALAKNANDA HYDRO POWER CO. LTD. ……APPELLANT
Versus
ANUJ JOSHI & ORS. …….RESPONDENTS
WITH
Civil Appeal Nos.6746-6747 of 2013
(Arising out of SLP(C) No.5849-5850 of 2012)
and
T.C. (C) No.55 to 57 of 2013
J U D G M E N T
K.S. Radhakrishnan, J.
Leave granted.
2. Srinagar Hydro Electric Project (SHEP) located in Tehri / Pauri Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh was a project envisaged by the then Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board (UPSEB) on river Alaknanda, which was basically run-of-the-river scheme.
3. The Techno-Economic approval of the scheme was granted for 200 MW by
the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), a competent authority exercising
powers under Section 29 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, in its
meeting held on 6.11.1982, subject to the environmental clearance from the
Ministry of Environment. SHEP was later segregated from twenty two other
Ganga Valley projects. A separate Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) was
made on the SHEP on 9.2.1985. No adverse affect had been noticed on
environment in that assessment on setting up of the Project. On the
contrary, it was felt that such a scheme would add to the richness of the
scenic beauty by creation of beautiful lakes attracting more tourists and
also meet the energy requirements of the State and could be completed
within a short span of five years. Dhari Devi Temple, it was noticed, was
likely to be submerged in water, therefore was also considered while
considering the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It was suggested
that temple would be raised and created with a pleasing architecture
suiting the surroundings.
4. The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) granted Environmental
Clearance for the project to UPSEB vide its letter dated 03.05.1985 subject
to certain safeguards.
The project involved diversion of forest land to
the extent of 338.38 hectares which was cleared by the Forest Department
vide proceeding No. 8-227/86-PC dated 15th April, 1987, in accordance with
Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Project involved
construction of concrete gravity dam affording a gross storage of 8 Mcum
water conductor system designed for 660 cumecs and a power house with an
installation of six units of 55 MW each. UPSEB later carried out a
detailed study and submitted a report stating that taking into
consideration the peaking capacity, the installed capacity of the project
would be increased from 200 MW to 330 MW. CEA approved and granted the
Techno-economic clearance in the enhanced capacity of 330 MW vide its
letter dated 18.12.1987.
Planning Commission vide its letter dated
29.01.1988 accorded the investment approval. UPSEB started
the work but due to the paucity of funds the project could not make any
effective progress.
5. The Government of India, in the meanwhile, had liberalized the policy
to encourage private participation in power development. Consequently, the
UP Government following the above mentioned policy decided to invite
private investment in the development of energy sector especially with
regard to the Srinagar Hydro Electric Project. Consequently, the State
Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with M/s
Duncan Industries Ltd. on 27th August, 1994 for development of the project
and in terms of the MOU, M/s Duncan Industries Ltd. had established a
generating company ‘Duncan North Hydro Power Co. Ltd.’. The project was an
ongoing project and most of the infrastructure required for the execution
of the project had already been arranged by the State Government. The
Department of Energy and Government of Uttar Pradesh then wrote to the MoEF
by letter dated 04.09.1997 to transfer the environmental clearance earlier
granted to the UPSEB to the Duncans so that the safeguards against
environmental degradation while clearing the project might be implemented
by the Duncans.
6. M/s Duncan submitted a revised EIA report and DPR to the MoEF on
25.01.1996 and it was also conveyed that the project of the enhanced
capacity of 330 MW had to be transferred to the Duncans. MoEF following
the letters dated 25.01.1996 and 18.06.1998 on the subject transferred
environmental clearance to Duncans for 330 MW on 27.07.1999 subject to the
condition that the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance
already granted and any other conditions, if stipulated in future for
protection of the environment would be fulfilled by Duncans. CEA also
issued the Techno Economic clearance for implementation of the Project vide
it letter dated 14.06.2000 to Duncans.
7. The Duncans had also given up the project after carrying out some
work and in its place came the appellant - Alaknanda Hydro Power Company
Ltd. (AHPCL). Request was then made to the MoEF by AHPCL for transfer of
the environmental clearance granted to 330 MW Srinagar Hydro Electric
Project in its favour. Request was favourably considered by the MoEF and
vide communication J-12011/6/96/ IA-I dated 27th March 2006 MoEF
transferred the environmental clearance in favour of AHPCL stating that it
was with the approval of the competent authority.
8. First respondent along with few others filed Writ Petition (PIL) No.
137/2009 before the High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital to quash the
above mentioned order and sought a CBI inquiry relating to the enhanced
capacity of 330 MW mentioned in the letters dated 27.07.1999 and
27.03.2006. Direction was also sought for against AHPCL to stop the
construction of the Hydro Power Project and also for other consequential
reliefs. Writ Petition was disposed of on 19.04.2011 with a direction to
AHPCL to approach the MoEF for a specific decision as to the clearance for
increased capacity of generation and increased height of the dam. The MoEF
was directed to take a decision within a period of three months. Court,
however, noticed that the clearance had already been given by the MoEF in
the year 1985 which stood transferred in favour of AHPCL for construction
of the dam for generation of 200 MW of electricity and 63 metre height of
the dam. The Court also ordered that the construction of dam for the said
height and for generation capacity of 200 MW would not be stopped but the
construction beyond that limit could be proceeded only after clearance is
sought from the MoEF.
9. MoEF as directed by the High Court considered the entire matter
afresh and rendered a specific decision dated 03.08.2011clarifying that
transfer letter dated 27.03.2006 in favour of AHPCL was for 330 MW. The
operative portion reads as follows:-
“The matter has been reviewed by the Ministry and it is to clarify
that while transferring the environment clearance dated 3rd May, 1985
of the Project in the name of Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board
(UPSEB) to M/s. Duncans North Hydro Power Company Limited vide this
Ministry’s letter No. 12011/6/96-IA-I dated 27.7.1999 (copy
enclosed), the Ministry had reviewed that increased capacity from 200
MW (4X50 MW) to 330 MW (5X66 MW) and associated parameters like
change in dam height from 73m to 90m from the deepest foundation and
FRL from EL 604.0m to 605.5m. The Ministry also noted that there was
a change in the submergence from 300 ha to 324.074 ha, however Forest
land remained the same i.e. 338.36 ha dated 15th April, 1987 which
will be the final Forest Land for the Project. Therefore, the final
parameters for the project are as follows:-
i) Submergence area – 324.074 ha
ii) Forest land for diversion – 338.86 ha
iii) Capacity – 330 MW (4X82.5 MW)
iv) Dam height from the deepest foundation – 90 m
v) Dam height for the river bed level – 66 m
vi) FRL – EL 605.5 m
vii) MDDL – EL 603.0 m
viii) Dam top Road level – 611.0 m
In view of the above, I am directed to clarify that the transfer of
environment clearance from DHPCL to Alaknanda Hydro Power Company
Limited (AHPCL) vide this Ministry’s letter No. J-12011/6/96-IA_I
dated 27th March, 2006 is of 330 MW capacity with the above mentioned
parameters. The Ministry has further noted the change in the units
from 6X55 MW to 4X82.5MW, as approved by CEA.
This has approval of the Competent Authority.”
10. MoEF though clarified the position as directed by the High Court, the
first respondent herein along with one Dr. Bharat Jhunjhunwala preferred
Writ Petition (PIL) No. 68 of 2011 before the High Court of Uttarakhand at
Nainital on 09.08.2011 challenging the order dated 03.08.2011.
11. Writ Petition was disposed of by the High Court directing AHPCL to
place the documents mentioned in Schedule IV to the Notification dated
27.01.1994 before MoEF and the Ministry was directed to take steps to hold
a public hearing as envisaged in the Notification. Further, it was also
ordered that the notice should mention that the public hearing would be
given at Dhari Devi Temple premises and that the Commissioner, Pauri
Garhwal to be present at the public hearing. Further, Court also noticed
that the construction work had progressed to a great extent and at no
stage, there was any objection to the construction of the project having a
capacity of 200 MW and, therefore, did not stop the construction, however,
it was made clear that the same would be subject to the decision taken by
the MoEF.
12. AHPCL, aggrieved by the above mentioned judgment, has preferred this
appeal by raising the core issue with regard to the applicability of EIA
Notification dated 27.01.1994 in a case where the project had been granted
environmental clearance for 200 MW on 3.05.1985 and thereafter for 330 MW
by the MoEF on 15.4.1987 and approved by CEA on 18.12.1987, followed by the
sanction accorded by the Planning Commission on 29.1.1988.
13. Respondents 1 and 2 in Civil Appeal arising out of SLP (Civil) No.
362 of 2012 also filed SLP (Civil) Nos. 5849-5850 of 2012 challenging the
order of the High Court dated 3.11.2011 and the order dated 5.12.2011
passed on the review petition contending that the finding recorded by the
High Court that they had not questioned the environmental clearance for 200
MW, was incorrect. They also wanted the stoppage of the project till the
procedure laid in the EIA Notification 2006 is complied with including the
holding of a public hearing.
14. Mr. M.L. Lahoty, learned counsel appearing for the appellant – AHPCL
submitted that EIA Notification dated 27.01.1994 (as submitted upto
07.07.2004) would operate only prospectively and that too only to those
projects which are either ‘new’ or ‘expansion or modernisation’ of the
existing project is proposed after 1994 Notification. Learned counsel made
reference to the judgment of this Court in Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union
of India and Others (2000) 10 SCC 664 and submitted that the Notification
would operate only prospectively. Learned counsel pointed out that public
hearing was expressly excluded by para 4 of the Explanatory Note to the
Notification in respect of projects like Srinagar Hydro Project where
neither large displacement is involved nor is there severe environment
ramification. Further, it was also pointed out that the expansion of the
project from 200 MW to 330 MW was granted in the year 1987 prior to the
notification and even the original EIA of 1994 would not apply. Further,
it was also pointed out that Amendment Act 77 of 2004 was incorporated
simultaneously with the explanation along with two Entries Nos. 31 and 32
to bring within its purview the “new construction projects” and “new
industrial estates”. Learned counsel pointed out so far as the Hydro
Projects are concerned, they are not covered by the said two newly
introduced Entries as from the very inception of 1994 notification, Hydro
Power Projects are covered by Rule 2 of Schedule 1 and therefore the
explanation so inserted also has no application. Consequently, the concept
of ‘plinth level’ is also not applicable as it goes with the applicability
of the Explanation.
15. Learned counsel also pointed out that the environmental clearance
even otherwise was issued in the light of the specific decision of MoEF
dated 03.08.2011 clarifying that the transfer letter of 27.3.2006 in favour
of AHPCL was for 330 MW. Learned counsel in support of his contention
made reference to the judgment of this Court in Lafarge Umiam Mining (P)
Ltd. v. Union of India, (2011) 7 SCC 338. Learned counsel also pointed out
that the project in question was conceptualized more than three decades
back. As on date the project stands almost completed and more than Rs.4000
cores had been invested and therefore, there is no question of holding a
public hearing at this stage. Further, it was also pointed out that State
Government had ascertained views of the local inhabitants, public
representatives, Gram Panchayat, Shopkeepers, Temple Pujaris, Trust,
devotees etc. and it was considering their views, the MoEF granted
environmental clearance and also forest clearance for the project.
16. MoEF in the counter affidavit filed on 25.7.2012 stated that the
project in question was granted environment clearance in the year 1985 and
hence it would not come under the purview of EIA Notification of 1994 or
EIA Notification of 2006 which replaced the EIA Notification of 1994.
Further, it was stated that the construction of project was already in an
advance stage and hence public hearing would be an empty formality, since
the purpose of public hearing is to know the concerns of the affected
people and to incorporate their concerns appropriately into the Environment
Management Plan (EMP) for the project and it is after incorporation of the
concerns and revising/modifying the EMP, the final EMP would be submitted
to the MoEF for granting environmental clearance to the project. MoEF has,
therefore, taken the stand that since environmental clearance to the
project had already been granted in the year 1985 prior to the coming into
force of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and the EIA Notification
of 1994, no public hearing was necessitated.
17. Shri Lahoty also pointed out that so far as the issue of Dhari Devi
temple is concerned, the Joint Committee had endorsed and recommended that
upliftment of the temple adhering to the INTACH plan is the best option and
has found wide acceptability amongst Temple Samiti, Pujari, local
inhabitants as well as local statutory authorities. Elaborate arguments
were also addressed by the learned counsel on muck Management and submitted
and that they had substantially complied with the proposed directions under
Section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act. Arguments were also
addressed on the Catchment Area Treatment Plan and submitted that an amount
of Rs.22.30 crores was deposited with the Forest Department way back in
2007-09. Further, it was also pointed out that the AHPCL had spent about
40 crores for rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people in the
catchment area. For Greenbelt Development, it was pointed out that an
amount of Rs.2.30 crore was made available to the State of Uttarakhand by
AHPCL. Learned counsel, therefore, submitted that the respondents are
unnecessarily creating hurdle in the completion of the project and
litigation is not in public interest but for advancing the private interest
of the respondents.
18. We may indicate while going through the averments made in the writ
petition as well as the impugned judgment and the pleadings of the parties,
it is seen that the question that was primarily raised before the High
Court was with regard to the necessity of a public hearing and also whether
the sanction had been accorded to construct the project with the capacity
of 330 MW. This Court in Narmada Bachao Andolan case (supra) has held that
the 1994 Notification applies only prospectively, in any view so far as
this case is concerned the environmental clearance cannot be an issue in
view of the specific stand taken by MoEF and the orders dated 03.08.2011
passed by MoEF which can also be considered as an ex post facto approval.
SHEP, it may be noted, is an ongoing project for which environmental
clearance was granted as early as in the year 1985 and forest clearance in
the year 1987. Further, about 95 % of the work is already over and nearly
Rs.4,000 crores has been spent. If public hearing is found necessary then
the same should have held before granting environmental clearance. The
purpose of public hearing, it may be noted, is to know the concerns of the
affected people and to incorporate their concerns appropriately into the
EMP and it is after incorporation of the concerns and revision/modifying
plan, the final EMP would be submitted to the MoEF for granting
environmental clearance. Environmental clearance, in the instant case, had
been granted in the year 1985 and the project is an ongoing project which
is now nearing completion and, therefore, no purpose would be achieved by
way of a public hearing at this stage. We also notice from the various
Committees’ reports and the report dated 3.5.2013 that they had met the
temple trustees, priests and residents of the locality, they had not raised
any objection for not holding a public hearing. Further, the State of
Uttarakhand has also never canvassed for a public hearing nor any complaint
was received by the temple authorities or the worshippers raised any
complaint of not holding any public hearing there. We, therefore, set
aside the direction given by the High Court directing the MoEF to hold a
public hearing.
19. We find that a new dimension has been added to this litigation by
initiating certain proceedings by group of litigants before the National
Green Tribunal, New Delhi. MoEF also, on 30.06.2011, in exercise of powers
conferred under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 passed
a stop work order directing AHPCL to attend certain environmental issues
which included (i) mounting Dhari Devi temple at a higher elevation as per
the Plan prepared by INTACH (ii) maintain and manage muck at the various
muck disposal sites by providing retention wall, slopes, compacting and
terracing etc. (iii) develop greenbelt (iv) Catchment Area Treatment (v)
undertaking Supana Query restoration (vi) maintain minimum environmental
flow etc.
20. The second respondent and few others then approached NGT vide Appeal
No. 9 of 2011 praying for some rigours orders against AHPCL. The appeal
was, however, disposed of by NGT directing MoEF to take a final decision
within a period of eight weeks. No decision was taken by the MoEF within
the time granted by the NGT which led AHPCL filing M.A. No. 103/2012 before
the NGT to revoke Section 5 directions and allow AHPCL to continue the
construction work of the project.
21. The Tribunal (NGT) disposed of the application on 07.08.2012
expressing its anguish for not disposing of the matter within the time
granted by it. The AHPCL submitted that in spite of the fact that it had
complied with all the requirements stipulated in the notice dated
30.06.2011, unnecessarily the project was held up causing huge financial
loss to it. AHPCL also sought a direction to transfer all the cases from
NGT to this court to be heard along with the appeal. Consequently, all
those related matters were transferred to this case Court and were heard
along with these appeals.
22. We asked the Secretary, MoEF, when the matter came for hearing, as to
whether the conditions stipulated in its order dated 30.06.2011 had been
complied with by the project proponent. Committee headed by Dr. B.P. Das
was constituted by MoEF to examine whether the project proponent had
complied with the conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance
granted in May 1985 as well as Order dated 30.06.2011 and the copy of the
Das Committee report of August 2012 has been made available.
23. Reference was also made to the B.K. Chaturvedi Committee Interim
Report, as well as the final report, with regard to the environmental flow
of Alakhnanda, Bhaghirthi and other tributaries of Ganga which has also
made some reference to this project as well. After noticing Das Committee
Report and after hearing learned counsel on either side, this Court thought
it appropriate to constitute a joint team consisting of officials of MoEF
as well as State Government so as to conduct an on the spot inspection of
the project area in question and to examine whether the project proponent
had complied with all the conditions stipulated in the environmental
clearance of May 1985 as well as Order dated 30.06.2011 of the MoEF, which
also referred to the issue of the protection of Dhari Devi Temple. The
joint team was directed to give an opportunity of hearing to second
respondent as well. We have taken such a course to give a quietus and
finality to the various issues which are long standing.
24. The Joint Team consisted of Professor R. Ramesh National Centre
Coastal Zone Institute, Chennai, Mr. Gambhir Singh, Chief Conservator of
Forests, Garwhal, Prof. R. Sakthivakivel, International Water Management
Institute, Mr. Lalit Kapur, Director, MoEF and Dr. Arun Kumar, CSO, AHEC,
IIT Roorkee as a Chairman of the Committee. This 5-members Committee
visited the project site including MUCK disposal sites on May 1st and 2nd
2013 and heard the second respondent as well as the AHPCL. The Committee
also visited Dhari Devi temple site and met trustees, priests and few
residents of village Dhari. The Committee also visited the catchment area.
The Committee examined as to whether the AHPCL had complied with the
conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance of May 1985 and also
the conditions stipulated in forest clearance of April, 1987. The
Committee also examined whether the AHPCL had complied with the conditions
communicated under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act 1986 vide
letter dated 30.06.2011, also issues with regard to Dhari Devi Temple. The
Committees, after considering all those aspects, submitted its report on
03.05.2013. The operative portion of the same reads as follows:
“2. Compliance of Conditions stipulated In Environmental Clearance
of May, 1985.
1. Fuel Wood should be provided to the construction stage so as to
prevent indiscriminate falling of trees in the neigbouring areas.
The budgeted estimate should therefore, be suitably augmented.
The AHPCL has informed that they have made arrangements through their
contractor to supply cooking gas for all the workers of the project.
Nearly three to four hundred cylinders are used by the workers of all
contractors for cooking requirements. In case of non-availability of
gas, kerosene is used on limited occasions. No fuel wood is used for
cooking or any other purpose. In case of any exigency wood is
purchased from authorized Government/Forest departments by the
contractor.
2.Critically eroded areas in the catchment should be identified for
undertaking time bound soil conservation program in the first phase,
concurrently with the construction works. The catchment area
treatment plans be worked out expeditiously.
Uttarakhand Forest Department has provided a status on the CAT plan
and green belt matter and is placed at Annexure – 2.
Uttarakhand Forest Department is executing the CAT plan through its
four Divisions viz. Narendranagar, Rudraprayag, Garhwal and Civil -
Soyam Pauri Forest Division. The proposed outlay of CAT plan for
five year period was Rs.22.03 crores deposited by the AHPCL in three
instalments (last in April 2009) to the Nodal Officer who in turn
transferred this amount to the CAMPA fund with Govt. of India. In
2010, the funds were transferred to the CAMPA society of Uttarakhand
Govt. for execution of proposed works.
To bring uniformity and for providing directions for finalization of
CAT plans in participatory mode, PCCF Uttarakhand vide letter No.
238/PA and Kha-2023/13-2(2) dated 25 March 2011 issued guidelines for
implementation of CAT plans in participatory mode. Overall framework
for reviewing CAT plans was approved by steering committee of UK
CAMPA in its 3rd meeting on 16th May 2011. Further, the PCCF vide
office Memo NO. 174/13-2(2) dated 03.08.2011 issued preliminary
guidelines with respect to creation of a Project Management Unit
(PMU) for implementation of the CAT Plan. The funds for CAT plan are
being allocated as per original proposal. However, micro-plans are
being prepared in participatory mode by the respective Divisions of
the Forest department following the Procurement Rules, 2008.
In pursuance to the above mentioned facts preparatory phase for the
CAT plan execution was started in 2011-12 during which identification
of sites, consultations with village communities, preparation of
micro-plans by PRA method and awareness campaigns were carried out.
In 2012-13, nursery raising, advance soil works were carried out
together with preparatory activities. Total 133 villages have been
identified for the CAT plan and Division wise distribution of which
is Narendranagar Forest Division – 40 villages, Rudraprayag Forest
Division – 41 villages, Garhwal Forest Division – 21 villages and
Civil-Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 31 villages. Out of the 133
villages micro-plans have been prepared for 76 villages and division
wise status of preparation of micro-plans in Rudraprayag Forest
Division – 34 villages, Garhwal Forest Division – 21 villages and
Civil Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 31 villages. During the
financial year 2012-13, implementation of micro plans was started in
10 villages and during current financial year approximately 60
villages are being taken up for this purpose.
Nursery activities have been selected at Division level. The actual
requirement of the plants is expected to be known on completion of
all micro-plans. Based on estimates saplings are already being
raised in nurseries as Narendranagar Forest Division – 1.5 lacs
saplings, Rudraprayag Forest Division – 5.4 saplings, Garhwal Forest
Division – 1.0 saplings and Civil-Soyam Pauri Forest Division – 1.3
saplings. Through these nurseries afforestation is being taken up
through micro planning of the planned villages in the catchment.
A total sum of Rs.46.22 lacs has been spent so far by the department
during the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13 under the budget
provided by the project.
Further from other sources of funding i.e. 13th Finance Commission
and FDA etc. the forest department of Uttarakhand has treated 882 Ha
area as well as constructed 81 check dams and 10 water ponds in the
catchment of the project.
3. Afforestation should be undertaken on a large scale in the
project area and a 50m wide green belt created around the periphery
of the reservoir.
For afforestation the response has been same as above in 2.
Compensatory afforestation as the Indian Forest Conservation Act
(1980) was completed in an area of 347 ha in district Lalitpur of
Uttar Pradesh (the then combined State) after the forest clearance
accorded in the year 1987.
Based on the estimates provided by Forest department in June 2012 for
a sum of Rs.652.49 lacs to be implemented in six years, AHPCL has
deposited first year budget of Rs.203.6 lacs with the state forest
department for creating Green Belt around the rim of the reservoir of
Srinagar HEP in August 2012.
The state forest department is expecting the Srinagar hydropower
project to be commissioned in Dec. 2013/Jan.2014 and only after
filling the reservoir, they intend to assess the requirement of site
above the submerged area, the selection of species, the type of soil
works etc. and creating the Green Belt accordingly. Therefore they
intend to start the green belt activities only after works of water
reservoir are completed and is filled. The work in the private land
shall be taken up for green belt development through participatory
approach with the land owners.
4. Geo-morphological studies be undertaken in the catchment to
formulate plans for the stability of slopes on reservoir periphery
through engineering and biological measures.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been appointed as the agency for
carrying out the Geo-morphological Studies. Total 9 villages have
been identified. These are Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour,
Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon, Paparasuand and Maliyasu. The studies for
7 villages are completed. Recommendations received for 5 villages
namely Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour, Gandasu and
implemented by the AHPCL. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations
for the displacement of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir
have been complied with. The balance reports are expected to be
received from GSI soon.
Measures comprises of engineering and biological aspects in green
belt area are being implemented by state forest department.
5. A monitoring committee should be constituted, in consultation
with the Department of Environmental to oversee the effective
implementation of the suggested safeguards.
The AHPCL has been submitting the half yearly compliance reports to
the Regional Office of MoEF, Lucknow. The Regional Office also
visited the project site from time to time. The committees of Dr. BP
Das in June 2011, Dr. J.K. Sharma in June 2012, Dr. BP Das in Aug
2012 appointed by MoEF and Shri ADN Rao in Dec.2012 appointed by NGT
have visited the project site and submitted the reports.
The committee is of the opinion that AHPCL should monitor the project
during construction and post construction for various parameters of
water quality, aquatic biodiversity, landslides in the rim area,
inflow and outflow, impacts on water tables and springs and submit
the reports to the State Government and MoEF regularly.
There should a monitoring mechanism at the state level which should
have the data for practicing adaptive management and such monitoring
may be carried out in association with project affective society.
3. Compliance of conditions stipulated in Forest Clearance (FC) of
April, 1987.
1. Legal status of land will remain unchanged.
No change has been reported.
2. Compensatory afforestation will be raised over and equivalent
non forest land.
Compensatory afforestation as per the Indian Forest Conservation Act
(1980) was completed in an area of 347 ha in district Lalitpur of
Uttar Pradesh (the then combined State) after the forest clearance
accorded in the year 1987.
3. The oustees will be rehabilitated as per plan submitted in the
state government.
Since there were no human oustees in the submergence area no
rehabilitation plan was prepared by the State government. However,
Geological Survey of India (GSI) was appointed by AHPCL for carrying
out the Geo-morphological Studies for 9 villages identified as
Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour, Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon,
Paparasu and Maliyasu. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations for
the displacement of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir have
been complied with for the recommendation received from GSI so far.
The balance reports are expected to be received from GSI soon.
Dhari Devi temple coming under the submergence area has been reported
separately.
4. The project authority will establish fuel wood depots and the
fuel wood be provided to construction labor and staff free of cost,
or its cost deducted from the salaries and wages to be paid to the
staff and labor.
The AHPCL has informed that they have made arrangements with the
local gas supplier to supply cooking gas for all the workers of the
project. Nearly three to four hundred cylinders are used by the
workers of all contractors for cooking requirements. In case of non-
availability of gas, kerosene is used on limited occasions. No fuel
wood is used for cooking or any other purpose. In case of any
exigency wood is purchased from authorized Government/Forest
departments by the contractor.
4. Compliance of conditions communicated under Section 5 of EP
(Act) 1986 vide letter dated 30.06.2011.
1. To preserve the religious sanctity and character of the Dhari
Devi Temple, a modified plan will be prepared in collaboration with
INTACH, a Conservation Architect, the local Temple Samity and the
representative of GSI. The Plan should, inter alia, examine how part
of rock on which the platform of the deity has been constructed,
along with the rock that formed its backdrop, shall be mounted at a
higher elevation in such a way that it maintains contact with the
base rock from which it is raised.
2. Only after modified Plan as specified above has been prepared,
the construction shall be resumed at Dhari Devi Temple.
As reported by AHPCL a modified Temple Plan was prepared in
collaboration with INTACH, Temple Samithi and Geological Survey of
India and submitted to MoEF on 12.09.2011 and further intimated to
MoEF on 09.02.2012 for continuation of works as per provisions of
para 14(ii) of Section 5 notice.
Earlier committees which visited sites during 16-17th June, 2012 and
29-30th August, 2012 and B.K. Chaturvedi Committee report April 2013,
have all recommended construction of temple works as per INTACH
scheme. The committee visited the temple site and found the work of
raising the platform was in advance stage of construction with
certain changes made by temple priest and trustees.
3. The muck slope at the edge of the river shall be adequately
protected by a retaining wall of at least 1-2 m height to be 1m above
HFL corresponding to a flood of 2500 to 3000m3/sec in the river.
4. The existing slope of the muck disposed off is around 40-45o and
shall be flattened to 35o. The walls shall be constructed partially
upto a maximum of 2m height and need to be completed to the top with
surface protection before July 2011 when monsoon precipitation
becomes intense. This is considered expedient to prevent sloughing,
sliding of the critically steep much slope and to arrest flow of the
muck into the river. The wall shall be constructive over a length of
almost 1 km stretch at three major sites i.e. the dam, desilting
basin and power house. This would lead to adequate environmental
protection.
5. Muck shall be compacted and Terraces shall be formed where so
ever possible.
As per plan approved by the State forest department there are 10 muck
disposal sites in the project area out of which only sites 8 & 9 are
permanent and others are temporary meant only for construction
duration. A total volume of 66.1 lacs cubic meter of muck was
estimated, out of which 16.79 lacs cubic meter of muck has been
utilized for back filling purpose. Further 12.5 lacs cubic meter is
contemplated to be utilized from muck site 6, 7 and 10 for back
filling. 37.62 lacs cubic meter is planned to be left over at site 3
(2.01 lacs cubic meter), 4(4.22 lacs cubic meter), 6(4.96 lacs cubic
meter), 7(2.39 lacs cubic meter), 8(8.8 lacs cubic meter), 9(12.48
lacs cubic meter) and 10(2.77 lacs cubic meter) for land shaping and
grading. Total muck utilization as on date as informed by AHPCL is
estimated to be about 44%.
A review of water quality parameters (Temperature, pH, Dissolved
Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand) provided by the State Pollution
Control Board, Uttarakhand for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13 measured
in Alaknanda at Rudraprayag i.e. upstream of Srinagar project and in
Alaknanda at Deoprayag i.e. downstream of Srinagar project indicates
that there is negligible difference in the water quality parameters
due to project construction activity.
Slope dressing and toe walls are constructed/being repaired at
temporary sites. Some construction material is stored on site No.6
and the same is planned to be removed after completion of words.
Soil from site No.4 is planned to be removed before monsoon, 2013 as
the batching plant has been removed now. Soil from site no.7 is
being removed now. Slope dressing, Terracing, Toe walls would be
completed in location nos. 8 and 9 where much disposal is going to be
permanent.
Angles of muck disposal sites 4,6,7,8 & 9 were got measured by AHPCL
and are reported as follows: 4 – 21o/25o, 18o/33o, site 6 – 28o/29o,
32o/32o, site 7 – 33o/29o, 37o/36o/27o, site 8 – 31o,32o, site 9 –
35o/36o/35o/37o, 35o/32o.
Slopes of muck disposal areas (angle of repose) are given as 45o at
para 18(3) page no.16 of Report on “Muck Disposable and Management of
Srinagar project” by IIT, Roorkee, November 2008. However MoEF
letter has suggested flattening the slopes up to 35o. The slopes
measured and reported by AHPCL appear to be in order.
Earthen cofferdam in front of power house is planned to be removed
after completion of power house for joining the water from powerhouse
to river through tail water channel and soil to be utilized for back
filling and landscaping. This cofferdam was synonymously referred to
as Muck disposal site no. 10 at Power house location in the section 5
notice dt. 30.06.2011. Disposal Location no. 10 is well behind the
power house coffer dam and has no contact with river water.
All the toe walls which got damaged at the muck disposal sites during
monsoon, should be repaired by AHPCL especially for those sites where
muck is being stored permanently.
The photographs of all muck disposal sites of different time along
with approved muck disposal plan by AHPCL is placed at Annexure – 3.
6. Appropriate protection by plantation and gabions should be put
only after slopes are flattened to 35o, protected by retaining walls
of desired height. Thereafter, appropriate soil cover of 1m shall be
provided to raise plantation for slope protection.
7. Muck disposal site wise restoration plan with the targets shall
be submitted immediately to the MoEF.
In view of the ongoing removal of the muck from sites and
construction activity the plantation is expected to be taken up
thereafter.
8. Green Belt development to be undertaken simultaneously along
with project construction.
Based on the estimates provided by Forest department in June 2012 for
a sum of Rs.652.49 lacs for implementation in six years, AHPCL has
deposited first year budget of Rs. 203.6 lacs with the state forest
department for creating Green Belt around the rim of the reservoir of
Srinagar HEP in August 2012.
The state forest department is expecting the Srinagar hydropower
project to be commissioned in Dec 2013/Jan 2014 and only after
filling the reservoir, the forest department intend to assess the
requirement of sites above the submerged area, the selection of
species, the type of soil words etc. and creating the Green belt
accordingly. Therefore they intend to start the green belt
activities only after works of water reservoir are completed and is
filled. The private land shall also be taken up for green belt
development through participatory approach with the land owners.
9. For expediting Geo-morphological studies by Geological Survey of
India (GSI) and implementation of recommendations before Dam gets
operational. AHPCL shall pursue with GSI and take up the mitigation
measures immediately.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been appointed as the agency for
carrying out the Geo-morphological Studies. Total 9 villages have
been identified. These are Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari, Kaliyasour,
Gandasu, Farasu, Mehargon, Paparasu and Maliyasu. The studies for 7
villages are completed. Recommendations received for 5 villages
namely Dungripanth, Sendri, Dhari Kaliyasour, Gandasu and implemented
by the AHPCL. As informed by AHPCL, the recommendations for the
relocation of the houses in the rim area of the reservoir have been
complied with. The balance reports are expected to be received from
GSI soon.
Village: Dungripanth
Recommendation of GSI with status
House of Sri Hari Sankar Singh is to be relocated – Complied.
The area falling between +605.90 and 611.00 both Dungripanth and
Dikholi villages may be monitored from safety view point immediately
after impounding of reservoir – Shall be monitored accordingly
House of C.S. Bahuguna needs to be relocated to a safe place –
Complied.
Village : Sendri
Recommendation of GSI with status
4 houses located close to the outer edge of the ridge need to be
relocated to a safer place – Complied
Village – Dhari
Houses and land upto EL +616.00 sshall have to be displaced/acquired
– Complied
Village: Kaliyasour
There would not be major threat from the reservoir to the stability
of slopes where main settlement is located – No action is to be taken
Village Gandasu
Suitable remedial measures for slopes at specific locations are being
recommended –
Action may be initiated after receipt of recommendations
Village: Farasu
Studies conducted, report yet to be submitted.
Village Mehargon
Studies conducted, report yet to be submitted.
10. The Restoration work for Supana Quarry shall be undertaken
simultaneously, leaving the part which is being used for storage of
building material.
Committee observed from the site visit that storage of the building
material has been almost removed and vacated site is being filled
with muck.
11. AHPCL shall maintain a minimum environmental flow as will be
decided by the Ministry on the basis of Study of IIT Roorkee on the
Cumulative Impact Assessment on Alaknanda and Bhaghirathi Basin.
As per the approved Environmental Management Plan of the project,
AHPCL is required to release a minimum of 5 cumecs of water from the
Dam through out the year in the river section of water.
Ministry of Environment and Forest constituted an Inter-Ministerial
Group (IMG) headed by Shri B.K. Chaturvedi to consider the issue
related to hydropower projects and environmental flows in June 2012.
The committee has submitted its report in April 2013 after
considering the report from IIT Roorkee, Wildlife Institute of India
and others as available.
The MoEF is expected to take a decision on this and convey to the
project proponent at appropriate time for compliance.
12. Requisite clearances shall be sought by AHPCL for Alaknanda
River Front Development Scheme before proceeding further on this
scheme.
13. AHPCL shall submit a detailed Action Plan on the above mentioned
directions with time targets along with a Bank Guarantee of Rs.1
crore in favour of the State Pollution Control Board, Uttarakhand.
The Bank Guarantee shall be forfeited in case of non compliance by
AHPCL.
AHPCL informed that the proposed scheme is not a part of approved
EMP/EC of the project. This was an additional proposal from AHPCL.
However, neither proposal nor word has been taken up so far.
A Bank Guarantee of Rs.1 core was submitted through Uttarakhand on
July, 2011.
5. TOR II: The Committee will also submit a full and complete
picture of the project at present.
AHPCL has provided the statement of physical and financial progress
of various work of the Srinagar project as on March 31, 2013 and is
given at Annexure 4. The summary of the same is as below:
Civil Works: diversion tunnel, coffer dams, dam and spillway, head
race tunnel, forebay tank and byepass channel, bridges on the
channel, penstock, power house building, switchyard are 100%
completed. The cross drainage works of Munjh Kot nallah are 93%
completed.
Hydro mechanical works: dam and spillway, head race tunnel, forebay
and byepass and draft tube are 100% completed.
Electro-mechanical works: 3 units are 100% completed whereas unit 4
is under progress.
6.TORIII: In the context of Dhari Devi Temple, which is coming under
submergence of the reservoir, the Committee will suggest best
possible option regarding how to protect the Dhari Devi Temple
without disturbance at its present location.
In the recent time there have been several committees who have gone
through the issue of the submergence of Dhari Devi temple and a
numbers of alternative to prevent the submergence of the Dhari Devi
Temple were studied. These are as follows:
a) Architectural Heritage Division of Indian National Trust for Art and
Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has prepared a plan in consultation with
Dhari Devi Temple Trust, Geological survey of India and AHPCL in Sept
2011.
b) Dr. B.P. Das Committee Aug 2012 recommended that “In view of the
compelling Technical, Social, Religious and Sentimental Reasons
narrated in para 4.2, the feasibility of constructing a dry well
structure to protect the rock mound in situ and “Maa Dhari Devi Idol”
in its existing position is not feasible. The team therefore
recommends for continuation of works of restoration of the temple as
per INTACH proposal”.
c) B.K. Chaturvedi Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) appointed sequel to the
third meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in
April 2012 submitted its report in Sept 2012 where the IMG has
recommended that best solution for saving the temple appears to be
accepting the recommendation of two member committee comprising of
Chairman Central Water Commission and Chairman Central Electricity
Authority represented by its Member (Hydro). The two member
committee examined the following option:
i) Construction of an enclosure bund around temple and surrounding
ghat and access road upto the level of 611m on the banks.
ii) Construction of an concrete well of about 30 meter diameter and
18 meter height around the temple.
iii) Relocation of the temple to a safe location on the left bank of
the river.
iv) Raising the temple above the highest flood level at its current
location and to install the idol at higher elevation at the same
spot with access to the temple through a pedestrian bridge from
the left bank.
v) Construction of 30km long power channel and diversion dam in the
upstream of existing dam.
Keeping in view the limitations and infeasibility of implementing the
first three options the committee recommended the fourth option i.e.
“Raising the temple above the highest flood level at its current
location and to install the idol at higher elevation at the same spot
with access to the temple through a pedestrian bridge from the left
bank.”
This committee visited the Dhari Devi temple on May 02, 2012 and
interacted with trustees, priests of the Dhari Devi temple and few
residents of village Dhari who were In favour of raising the temple
above the highest water level. In fact the committee observed that
the elevated platform of temple is in advance stage of construction
and the preparations are under way for shifting the deities to the
elevated location. The trustee, priests and resident who the
committee interacted are of the opinion of early completion of the
temple at the elevated location.
Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala expressed apprehensions against moving the Dhari
Devi temple to a higher elevation, as it is against the “Rights of
Worship”. He proposed the option of Construction of 30 km long power
channel and diversion dam in the upstream of existing dam.
7. TOR IV: The committee will gather evidence through
photography/videography
The photographs taken during site visit are available at annexure – 5
8. TOR V: The Committee will give personal hearing to Shri
Bharat Jhunjhunwala accompanied by his wife & representatives of the
project proponent i.e. AHPCL who will place their views and records
if any, before the said Committee.
The committee gave personal hearing to Shri Bharat Jhunjhunwala
accompanied by his wife as well as project proponent (AHEC) on May
01, 2013 and heard patiently. The points raised by Shri Bharat
Jhunjhunwala are addressed as below:
a. Sale of power outside the area
The project clearances were accorded in the year 1985 and 1987 during
the period of undivided Uttar Pradesh. The power purchase agreement
of the project is with Uttar Pradesh Govt. utility and free power @
12% of power generated shall be available to Uttarakhand Government
and is in line with the Uttar Pradesh state re-organization Act 2000.
b. Conditions attached to Environmental Clearance 1985
Not in the purview of the committee. He may request to the MoEF for
the safe.
c. CAT Plan
The status on the CAT plan has been given above under the EC and FC
clearance.
d. Compensatory afforestation
The status on the afforestation has been given above under the FC
clearance.
e. Green Belt
The status on the green belt has been given above under the EC and FC
clearance.
f. Geo morphological studies
The status on these studies and resettlement of the likely to be
affected persons has been given above.
g. Dhari Devi Temple
The response is given under TOR 3
h. Muck Disposal
The status of muck disposal sites is elaborated above along with
annexure 3 of photographs of all 10 locations.
i. Stop work order
As informed by AHPCL that in view of NGT order of M.A. No. 103/2012
in Appeal No. 9 of 2011 dated Aug 07, 2012 they are continuing the
construction of work.
Committee also heard AHPCL through a power point presentation. The
AHPCL requested the committee that their project may be allowed to be
commissioned as earliest as possible.
9. RECOMMENDATIONS:
The committee after verifying the conditions and progress of the work
at site and hearing of Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala along with his wife and
project proponent AHPCL and interaction with others in the project
area recommends following:
1. The muck disposal restoration may be done at the earliest. The
necessary covering with top soil, plantation and toe wall for the
permanent disposable site no. 8 & 9 be carried out at the earliest.
2. The catchment area treatment plan and green belt plan being executed
by State Forest department be expedited.
3. An effective monitoring mechanism at the state level which should
have the data for practicing adaptive management be created and such
monitoring may be carried out in association with project affective
society.
4. As the project is in close proximity to habitations having several
national and state institutions/organization, the ongoing
construction activities may be completed at the earliest.”
25. Report is now being questioned by the MoEF, in spite of the fact,
that they constituted the joint team which included the Director, MoEF as
its representative. MoEF, in their written submission, raised an
objection with regard to the proposal to shift Dhari Devi temple to a
higher place which according to the MoEF would wound the religious feeling
of large sections of Hindus. The MoEF felt that the project proponents
plan to lift the temple up on column and preserve it under guidance of
INTACH which could not possibly be a viable solution in view of the recent
judgment of this Court in Orissa Mining Corporation v. MoEF [(2013) 6 SCC
476] which says that the religious faith, customs and practices of tribals
have to be preserved and protected. MoEF in its affidavit dated 6.5.2013
also took that position. The Principal Secretary and State of Uttarakhand
filed their response on 10.05.2013 with respect to the affidavit filed by
the MoEF on 06.05.2013 and the Report submitted by the Joint Team. Forest
Department of Uttarakhand also filed their note indicating their stand.
Detailed written submission has also been filed by the second respondent on
10.05.2013 with regard to the non-compliance of various directions given by
the MoEF in its notice dated 30.06.2011 by AHPCL.
26. Dr. B. Jhunjhunwala - party in person submitted that the High Court
was right in directing a public hearing following the 1994 Notification,
the necessity of the same, according to him, has been highlighted by this
Court in G. Sundarrajan v. Union of India and Others, the judgment of which
is reported in (2013) 6 SCC 620. Dr. Jhunjhunwala has also highlighted
the necessity of keeping Dhari Devi temple on the spot at its present
location. Dr. Jhunjhunwala further submitted that Right to Worship stands
at a higher pedestal than Right to Life under Article 21 and any
disturbance of the temple would violate the Right to Worship at Dhari Devi
temple without any hindrance as guaranteed under Article 25 of the
Constitution of India. Dr. Jhunjhunwala also suggested that the temple
could be saved by making a canal instead of reservoir at the impugned
project and the sacred rock in situ by constructing a dry well of
sufficient height and diameter around it and providing pilgrim access to it
by building an approach road.
27. We have gone through the affidavits filed by the State of Uttarakhand
and we find they have wholeheartedly accepted the B.P. Das Committee Report
and the report dated 3.5.2013 submitted by the Joint Team and also the B.K.
Chaturvedi interim report dated September 2012. When this Court
constituted the Committee on 25.4.2013, this Court directed the inclusion
of the State Government representative as well, so that the State
Government can express its views on various issues including the issue
relating to Dhari Devi temple. State Government in their affidavit, it may
be noted, have not questioned the suggestions made by the Committee in its
report dated 3.5.2013. Consequently, we have to take it that the State
Government has no objection whatsoever with regard to the suggestion made
by the joint Committee in its report dated 03.05.2013 i.e. raising the
temple above the highest flood level at its current location and to install
the idol at higher elevation at the same spot with access to the temple
through a pedestrian bridge from the left bank. The Committee specifically
stated in the report that they had visited Dhari Devi temple site and met
trustees, priests of the temple and few residents of village Dhari and no
objection was raised either by the trustees or priests of the temple on the
suggestion made by the joint team in the report dated 03.05.2013.
INTACH Report:
28. We also find that the Architectural Heritage Division of Indian
National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has prepared a plan
in consultation with Dhari Devi temple trust, Geological Survey of India
and AHPCL and which was submitted to the MoEF on 12.9.2011, which has been
accepted by all the subsequent Committees appointed.
Dr. B.P. Das Committee Report
29. MoEF in compliance with the order passed by this Court in SLP 362 and
5849 of 2012 in Writ Petition No. 68 of 2008 dated 27.07.2012 constituted
B.P. Das Committee vide his Order dated 17.08.2012 to verify whether AHPCL
has complied with the conditions of the environmental clearance granted in
May 1985 and directions of the order issued under Section 5 of
Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 dated 30.06.2011 and to examine the
feasibility of well option of Dhari Devi Temple.
30. We have already referred to in detail the steps taken by AHPCL to
comply with the environmental clearance granted in 1985 and the conditions
stipulated in the MoEF Order dated 30.06.2011, which has also been noted by
the Joint Team constituted on the basis of the directions of this Court.
B.P. Das Committee has elaborately examined the issue regarding restoration
of Dhari Devi Temple in Paras 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2.1, 6.0 of its report of
August 2012 and ultimately came to the conclusion that the proposal made by
INTACH be accepted. The paragraphs mentioned above are extracted hereunder
for easy reference:
“4.0 Restoration of Dhari Devi Temple
The Team visited the temple premises and surroundings on 29th August
2012. Discussions were held with the officials of AHPCL, office bearer
of Aadhyashakti Maa Dhari Pujari Nyas, Shri V.P. Pandey, President
along with Shri Vivek Pandey, Secretary and a Pujari namely Shri Manish
Pandey. A number of local people and people representing different
organizations/groups were present during the discussions. The
following emerged as a result of discussions and interactions.
4.1 Upliftment scheme for Dhari Devi temple prepared in
collaboration with INTACH
• In accordance with the directions issued by MoEF vide dated
30.06.2011; the project proponent had got a restoration plan for
Dhari Devi Temple prepared by INTACH. The construction, as per this
plan, had already begun. Fourteen pillars out of eighteen have been
erected upto 10-15 meters of heights. No Temple work was in
progress on the day of site visit.
• In addition to main Deity ie Maa Dhari Devi, the Plan contains
provision for installation of other deities namely; Hanuman, Shiva,
Havan Room, Prayer Hall, Mother rooms (2nos), office room and
adequate space for passage and congregation of devotees. A total
plan area of 544 sq. Mtr. Has been envisaged in the design of the
temple at 611 meter Elevation and at 614 meter Elevation, as per the
scheme formulated by INTACH.
• The Group explained to the Temple Samity about the concept and
design of Kudala Sangam Temple in Karnataka where a well structure
has been built to house a Samadhi. There was vehement opposition
from the Temple Samiti and the people gathered in an around the
temple to this concept. All the assembled people expressed that
confinement of deity in a well is totally unacceptable to them. The
Temple Samiti explained that Maa Dhari Devi is presently facing a
village called Dhari Village and offering its blessing to the
villagers and thus, protecting them from the perils and penury of
different sorts. Under no circumstances the deity should be hidden
and kept in the well which will cause obstruction to Maa Dhari Devi
from viewing Dhari village. It was explained by them that the top
of the sanctum sanctorium shall have to be kept open to sky and
therefore, a well structure will pose many a problems.
• It was learnt from the Temple Samiti that Maa Dhari Devi is not part
of the base rock. It is placed on a marble/tiled platform on the
rock. The President of Temple Samiti also informed that about 20-22
years back, the deity had once lifted from its earlier position.
• The Temple Samiti expressed their anguish and resentment at the
prolonged delay in completing the temple in its new form as per the
INTACH design. They, along with the local people also informed that
they might execute the remaining work through Kar Seva if an early
decision in their favour is not forthcoming. They stated that they
were fed up in facing Committees after Committees on this issue.
• The Temple Samiti as well as local people expressed the view that in
case of Kudala Sangam in Karnataka State, a Samadhi has been housed
in the well. They opined that there is no parity of reasoning and
therefore, these two are not comparable. Thus, the concept of well
structure of Kudala Sangam is not for a temple and the same cannot
be considered appropriate for adoption in case of Dhari Devi Temple.
They further informed that the temple rehabilitation plan prepared
by INTACH is in conformity with temple architecture prevalent in
Northern Part of India. They further informed that the temple plan
was approved by the State Govt. Of Uttarakhand during year 2009.
• The people also raised security, safety issues and difficulty in
movement of devotees as the congregation would be much more in case
of Maa Dhari Devi temple than Kudala Sangam. The entry and exit
access for a well structure would be through spiral stairs along the
stenning wall which are disadvantageous and accident prone.
4.2 On the feasibility of “Protecting the sacred rock in situ by
constructing a dry-well of sufficient height and diameter around it and
providing pilgrims access to it by building an approach way and a stair
case on the inner wall of the dry-well.”
The team considered the following two alternative options:
i) To protect the “Maa Dhari Devi idol” along with the sacred rock
mound (Shila) by constructing a bigger diameter dry well.
ii) To protect the rock mound (Shila) by constructing a smaller
diameter dry-well in conjunction with the “Maa Dhari Devi Idol”
upliftment scheme prepared in collaboration with the INTACH.
For the reasons and constraints mentioned below the team is of the view
that both the proposals are not feasible.
• A plan area of 544 sq. Meter has been worked out and provisioned for
the temple complex. For a circular structure such as dry well, this
will entail a Bigger diameter (exceeding 50 meter) in order to
accommodate staircases, space for deities and other associated
facilities. This has been examined by Tata Consulting Engineers
also, on behalf of the AHPCL. In view of very large diameter, the
dry well structure would encroach into the river where its width is
already narrow. The construction of dry-well structure will
therefore, need temporary diversion of river water requiring
structures like cofferdam etc. Fresh EIA study and EC for river
diversion arrangements may be required and thereby delaying the
temple construction/rehabilitation work and impounding of the
reservoir.
• The concept of a “Small Dry-well” of around 15m in diameter is not
feasible as four columns (out of eighteen) enclosing an area of
10mX15m around the deity planned from structural consideration that
emerges out of INTACH restoration plan, will be fully interfering
with the 15m well. This dry well from consideration of structural
safety to resist uplift of 17m (anticipated HFL of 609.5 at the
temple due to backwater rise minus base level of 593 m) will need a
solid reinforced concrete (RC) raft of 20 to 22m diameter, which
would mean shattering and removing the entire rock mound below the
deity by the action of Drilling and Blasting. Even an annular raft
will interfere with the central four columns and shatter the sacred
rock during blasting operations. This will defeat the very purpose
of protecting it.
• During field visit, neither the puja samiti / the head priest nor
the large number of devotees gathered there expressed their desire
to go down to the lower level of the rock mound, once Maa Dhari Devi
is installed at EL 614.00 and all other deities will be installed to
complete the religious paraphernalia. The Puja Samity and the
people at large expressed that they would feel hurt and anguished if
the lower rock is encircled by a large well barring an open
exposure.
• The size and nature of sub-structure and its foundation of the well
will depend on the geological strata and formation of river bed
which will govern the actual quantum of work for erecting the
structure. Detailed sub-soil study will be necessary for this.
• Safety arrangements covering a number of aspects have to be provided
such as for emergency evacuation, fire hazards etc. in case a well
option is though of. It will also impede future expansion of the
temple premises which may be essential to cater for the increasing
number of devotees visiting the temple.
• As the top of the well would have to be kept open, the well will be
subjected to heavy rain and occasional cloud burst that may endanger
the safety of deity and devotees. In addition, poor ventilation and
stampede like situation cannot be ruled out. In the net, the well
structure will hinder smooth “darshan” and movement of devotees.
• Structurally, the well will be subjected to huge uplift pressure
making the well unsafe and unstable. This will also entail huge
thickness of wall and heavy founding rafts and thus, making
construction complicated as drilling, blasting and grouting of rocks
will be a necessity.
• The devotees strongly object to any concept of well and expressed
that confinement of Deity Maa Dhari Devi in a well is totally
unacceptable to them. The devotees strongly fell that under no
circumstances the Deity Maa Dhari Devi should be hidden and kept in
a well. They desire that Maa Dhari Devi should continue to face the
Dhari village and offer blessings to the villagers and thus protect
them from perils and penury of all sorts.
• The well structure will go against the local aesthetic and cultural
heritage as prevalent in the region.
In view of the compelling Technical, social, religious, and
sentimental reasons, the scheme of constructing a big/small dry well
structure to protect “Dhari Devi Idol” and the surrounding sacred rock
mound in its existing position is not feasible.
5.2.1 Dhari Devi Temple Rehabilitation Scheme (submission of modified
plan for construction commencement)
There has been adequate compliance by the Project Proponent and they
have proceeded as per advice / directions given vide MoEF letter dated
30.06.2011. The project proponent has also informed the MoEF in
February, 2012 about their program to resume the works as per modified
temple restoration plan that has been prepared in collaboration with
INTACH, a Conservation Architect, involving local Temple Samity and a
representative of GSI. The AHPCL informed the MoEF about resumption of
works on the Temple restoration accordingly.
6.0 Conclusion on Dhari Devi Temple Restoration Proposal.
The group is of the view that the architecture of temple in southern
part of India and in Northern part of India is altogether different.
The INTACH proposal takes care of the people’s acceptability of the
temple in terms of design, plan, facade and overall architecture of the
temple.
The project proponent has gone ahead with the construction of the
uplifting proposal of the temple in compliance with the directions
given under Section 5 of EP (Act), 1986 on 30.06.2011. They have
followed the directions/ advice given under relevant paras of the order
of the MoEF.
In addition to the engineering and construction related impediments in
building a well structure which will encroach into the main course of
the river where it is narrow. There has been tangible progress in the
construction of the temple as per restoration plan prepared by INTACH
and which has got the acceptance of the Temple Samiti and the local
citizen.
The Group does not consider it appropriate to thrust an option against
the faith, belief, expectation of the local people/stakeholders and
which is contrary to cultural heritage of the region. It merits
mention that they are totally opposed and appeared contemptuous to the
very concept of a well structure for housing the deity.
A portion of the base rock is planned to be cut and placed at new
location to form the Deity’s backdrop. The Group noted that the Temple
Samiti and others are in accordance with the overall plan of
restoration of Dhari Devi Temple as suggested by INTACH.
The Group also apprehends public unrest, agitation leading to law and
order problem in the event of thrusting upon them the option of well
structure and other action causing prolonged delay in putting the
temple restoration issue, in accordance with INTACH plan in rest.”
B.K. Chaturvedi Committee Report
31. MoEF constituted an inter-ministerial group (IMG) under the
Chairmanship of Shri B.K. Chaturvedi, Member, Planning Commission on 15th
June, 2012 to review and consider certain issues related to environmental
flows, environmental impact of the hydro-power projects in the upper
reaches of river Ganga and its tributaries such as Bhagirathi and
Alaknanda. MoEF also vide its office memorandum dated 20.7.2012 requested
the Chaturvedi Committee to review the cumulative impact on flow of river
as also the social impacts of the relocation of Dhari Devi Temple situated
upstream of the project. A two-Member Committee consisting of Chairman,
Central Electricity Authority and Chairman, Central Water Commission, both
of them are members of the IMG, was constituted to consider the issue with
regard to Dhari Devi Temple and to make suggestions. The interim report
dated 07.09.2012 (Volume II) of the two-Member Committee on Dhari Devi
Temple reads as follows:
12.3 Construction of Dhari Devi Temple on raised platform
• The proposed structure of Dhari Devi temple on a raised platform on
concrete columns above HFL (at El. +614 m) has been designed by IIT
Roorkee and has got necessary clearance / permission of the State
Government.
• During the visit, discussions were held with several local people
and priest of the temple. All the people met with the Committee
were found very positive towards the construction of Dhari Devi
temple on a raised platform. There was no objection on raising the
temple at higher elevation and so the project works can go on, it
was felt by them.
• The construction of Dhari Devi temple on raised platform would cost
to the Developer of Rs.9.0 crore only.
• It has been reported by the local residents that this temple has
submerged earlier at several times during high floods. Even on 3rd
August, 2012 the water level reached up to the floor level of the
temple (+593 m) and lower part of the temple was filled with silt
and floating debris, as it may seen in the following photograph
taken during visit.
• Even if, the dam would not have been constructed, there is always a
possibility of submergence of the temple during high flash floods.
13. Recommendations of the Two Member Committee
Based on above findings, the recommendations of the TMC are as under:
• Considering the significant progress of the project, the Section 5
may be withdrawn by MoEF at the earliest so that the project works
are resumed at site keeping in view the national interest of hydro
power sector, benefits of local people, project specific local area
development, feelings/views of project affected people, etc.
otherwise it would be an end to hydro power development in
Uttarakhand as well as in the country.
• Since an expenditure of over three thousand crore rupees have
already been incurred on the project, any delay in commissioning
would add to heavy burden of interest during the construction (IDC)
and escalate the cost of the project and would make the tariff
chargeable to consumers completely unviable.
• During the discussion with villagers, it was observed that barring
few individuals, everyone is anxious to see completion of the
project as early as possible. They are in favour of construction of
Dhari Devi temple on raised platform above HFL at the earliest.
• Discussions were held with the officers of UJVNL and they were also
keen in completion of this project in view of the power shortages in
Uttarakhand. The Government of Uttarakhand would get 12% free power
from the project on its commissioning.
14. Conclusion
• The idea of construction of a 30km power channel in lieu of existing
dam cannot be accepted at this stage on account of (i) geological
and geotechnical investigations not done, (ii) enormous cost of the
power channel and new diversion dam, (iii) issue of forest clearance
and land acquisition, (iv) minimum 5 years of construction time, (v)
very high tariff to be paid by the purchaser.
• The Dhari Devi temple is not included in the protected monuments of
Archaelogical Survey of India and it is a local temple to be
worshipped by nearby villagers only. All the local villagers and
the priest of the temple are in agreement with the project
authorities to raise the temple on RCC structure above HFL.
• Option of providing a well surrounding the temple is neither
practical nor acceptable to locals.
32. Final Report was submitted by B.K. Chaturvedi Committee on April 2013
(Vol 1) before MoEF, inter alia, reiterating its interim report on Dhari
Devi Temple. Das Committee, Chaturvedi and Joint Team constituted on the
basis of direction of this Court have, therefore, fully endorsed the views
made by INTACH on Dhari Devi Temple. We find no reason to differ from the
views expressed by the expert committee, which was submitted hearing all
the affected parties, including the Trustees of the Temple, devotees,
Pujaris etc. Committee reports to that extent stand accepted.
33. We are also not impressed by the argument that by accepting the
suggestions of all the expert committees to raise the temple as such to a
higher place, would wound the religious feelings of the devotes or violate
the rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. Sacred rock
on which the temple exits is still kept intact and only the height of the
temple increased so that the temple would not be submerged in the water.
In Orissa Mining Corporation v. MoEF, this Court was examining the rights
of Schedule Tribes and the Traditional Forest Dwellers under the Forest
Rights Act, 2006 in the light of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
This Court held that those articles guarantee the right to practice and
proposals not only in matters of faith or beliefs, but all rituals and
observation. We are of the view that none of the rights of the devotees of
Dhari Devi Temple has been affected by raising the level of the temple,
which remains attached to the Sacred Rock.
34. MoEF proceedings dated 30.06.2011, Report of the Das Committee as
well as the Joint Team dated 3.5.2013 refer to the issue of muck management
and disposal, catchment treatment area plan and green belt and also the
safety of the Dam.
Safety of the Dam
35. Dam safety and security is a matter of paramount importance, failure
of which can cause serious environmental disaster and loss of human life
and property. Proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance
of dams is essential to ensure for safe functioning of the Dams. The
Central Water Commission (CWC) is a premier technical organisation of India
in the field of water resources. The Commission is also entrusted with the
general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering, in
consultation with the State Governments concerned, schemes for control,
conservation and utilisation of water resources throughout the country for
the purpose of flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply and water
power development. Safety of dams, in our country, is the principal
concern of the State Government. The State Government has also to carry
out investigation, planning, design, construction and operation. AHPCL
says, so far as SHEP is concerned, engineering and technical parameters of
the dam are clearly narrated in the detailed project report which, in turn,
are assessed by CEA in consultation with the CEC and GSI. The norms and
regulations laid down by the concerned authorities, and whether those are
strictly followed or not, have to be assessed and monitored by the Nodal
Agency, CEA/Ministry of Power as well as the GSI.
Safety and security of the people
36. Safety and security of the people are of paramount importance when a
hydro electric project is being set up and it is vital to have in place all
safety standards in which public can have full confidence to safeguard them
against risks which they fear and to avoid serious long term or
irreversible environmental consequences. The question as to whether the
recent calamities occurred at Uttrakhand on 16.6.2013 and, thereafter, due
to cloud burst, Chorabari Lake burst due to unprecedented rain and
consequent flooding of Alaknanda river etc. has affected the safety of SHEP
has also to be probed by the MoEF, State of Uttarakhand and Dam Safety
Authority etc.
Muck Management and Disposal
37. Construction of SHEP involving excavation of earth and rock has
generated large quantum and with the objective to protect the disposal
areas from further soil erosion and develop the surrounding areas in
harmony with the environment, the muck disposal plan is formulated. Muck
disposal plan gives quantification of muck, identifies location and
activities wherein muck is generated, during excavation and blasting
operation and quantifies muck generated from the activities with relevance
to disposal areas. The Das Committee visited the project site and
submitted a status report on 29-30 August, 2012 which has dealt with muck
disposal, details of which have already been dealt with in the earlier part
of the Judgment. Report of the Joint Committee dated 03.05.2013 also
refers to the AHPCL’s action plan regarding muck management and disposal
and recommended that remaining work, particularly, of the permanent site
No.8 and 9 be carried out at the earliest. AHPCL has given the details of
the work carried out for muck disposal. Failure of removal of muck from
the project site may also cost flooding of the project areas, causing
destruction to the environment and to the life of property of the people.
MoEF and State Government and all other statutory authorities would see
AHPCL takes proper action and steps for muck management and disposal.
Catchment Area Treatment (CAT)
38. CAT is required to be carried out by the project developer along with
R & R and greenbelt activities, primarily to mitigate the adverse
environmental impact created by the project construction. CAT is also
resorted to reduce the inflow of silt and prevent sedimentation of
reservoirs. CAT management involves steps to arrest soil erosion,
rehabilitation of degraded forest areas through afforestation, controlling
landslide and rockfalls through civil engineering measures and long time
maintenance of afforestation areas. Silt inflows in river water not only
result in reduction in storage capacity of dams, but also lead to increased
wear and tear of turbines. Therefore, CAT is of crucial importance with
regard to hydro electric projects. CAT plan has been prepared by the
Uttrakhand Forest Department and the Project Proponent has paid the
estimated amount of Rs.22.30 crores to the State Forest Department towards
implementation of CAT Plan.
39. We may, in this connection, refer to the brief note submitted by the
AHPCL wherein they have referred to landslide which occurred in the
catchment area of dam Manari Bhali Stage-I in August 1978 blockading the
Bhagirathi River with a dam of muck, about 40 KM upstream of dam. This dam
of muck breached on its over after 12 hours and the monsoon water
accumulated during this period gushed out in form of a wall of water about
20 meter high. The flood receded after a few hours, but the dam did not
suffer any damage. It was pointed that during this flash flood period
boulders up to 250 tonnes in weight had hit and rolled over the dam. The
discharge in the river had risen to 4500 Cum per sec. Further it was also
pointed out that in August 2012, partly constructed Srinagar Dam also faced
similar type of flood. This time due to cloud bursts and breaching of
coffer dams in the project upstreams, the water level at the Dam rose by 17
meters, but after the flood receded, no damage to the dam was noticed. The
discharge in the river had risen to 6500 Cum per sec. AHPCL, therefore,
maintains the stand that the structure of the dam is strong enough to bear
the pressure not less than 6500 Cum per sec of water discharge.
40. The Principal Secretary of Forest Department, Government of
Uttarakhand submitted in a short affidavit dated 10.05.2013, explaining the
steps they have taken. The primary responsibility is on the Forest
Department to carry out effectively the CAT Plan. Proper steps would be
taken by the concerned authorities, if not already taken. MoEF, State
Government and all other authorities will see the same is fully implemented
at the earliest, so also the recommendations made by the Joint Team with
regard to CAT.
Green Belt Development
41. AHPCL, it is seen, has deposited first year budget of Rs.203.6 lakhs
to the State Forest Department for green belt rim of the reservoir in
August 2012. Although green belt area is earmarked the technical documents
based on the maximum flood level in the reservoir, the rim of the
reservoir, could only be determined and developed after reservoir is
impounded. Proper steps would be taken by the Forest Department of
Uttarakhand to carry out the green belt development area in question. The
MoEF, the State Government etc. would see that the proper steps would be
taken by all the authorities including the AHPCL to give effect to the
directions given by the Joint Team.
42. Going through the reports of Das Committee, Chaturvedi Committee as
well as the Joint Team and after perusing the affidavits filed by the
parties, we find no reason to hold up the project which is almost nearing
completion. MoEF, AHPCL, Government of Uttarakhand, Forest Department
would take immediate steps to comply with all the recommendations made by
Joint Team in the report dated 03.05.2013 and also oversee whether AHPCL is
complying with those directions as well.
43. Under such circumstances, the Appeal in SLP (C) No. 362/2012 would
stand allowed and the judgment of the High Court stands set aside.
Consequently the SLP (C) Nos. 5849-5850 of 2012 would stand dismissed. All
the Transferred matters from NGT are also disposed of as above.
Court’s concern
44. We are, however, very much concerned with the mushrooming of large
number of hydroelectric projects in the State of Uttarakhand and its impact
on Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. Various studies also indicate
that in the upper-Ganga area, including Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers and
their tributaries, there are large and small hydro power dams. The
cumulative impact of those project components like dams, tunnels, blasting,
power-house, muck disposal, mining, deforestation etc. on eco-system, is
yet to be scientifically examined. MoEF undertook two studies in the
recent past:
i) Assessment of Cumulative Impact of Hydropower Projects in Alaknanda
and Bhagirathi Basins which was entrusted by National River
Conservation Directorate (NRCD) of MoEF to the Alternate Hydro
Energy Centre (AHEC), IIT Roorkee vide proceedings dated July 14,
2010.
ii) MoEF also vide their proceedings dated 23rd July, 2010 authorized
Wild Life Institute of India (WII), Dehradun to make an assessment
on cumulative impacts of “Hydroelectric Projects on Aquatic and
Terrestrial Biodiversity in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins,
Uttarakhand.
45. AHEC submitted their report to MoEF in December 2011 and WII
finalized its report in December 2012. AHEC made some recommendations on
Geology, seismology, soil erosion, sedimentation etc. Some of the major
recommendations of the study covered the aquatic biodiversity profile,
critically important fish habitats including recommendation on Fish
Conservation Reserve at Nayar River and Bal-Ganga, Tehri Reservoir Complex.
WII made recommendations on impact on aquatic biodiversity and their
habitats, terrestrial component of biodiversity and details about these in
the river basins. Recommendations were also made covering environmental
flows, conservation, reserve, strategic option of regulating impact of
hydropower projects of different categories and impact on aquatic
biodiversity and terrestrial biodiversity in the above mentioned basins.
46. We have gone through the Reports and, prima facie, we are of the view
that the AHEC Report has not made any indepth study on the cumulative
impact of all project components like construction of dam, tunnels,
blasting, power-house, Muck disposal, mining, deforestation etc. by the
various projects in question and its consequences on Alaknanda as well as
Bhagirathi river basins so also on Ganga which is a pristine river. WII in
its Report in Chapter VIII states as follows:
“Para 8.3.2 Present and future scenario
The scenario building for assessing impacts on biodiversity
values portrays very distinctively the present and futuristic trends
of the impact significance of hydropower developments in all the sub-
basins in the larger landscape represented by the Alaknanda and
Bhagirathi basins.
It becomes apparent that because of the fact that many of the
projects are already in stage of operation and construction, the
reversibility in significance of impacts on terrestrial biodiversity
is not possible in sub-basins. Decline in biodiversity values of
Bhagirathi II sub-basin have significantly been compounded by Tehri
dam.
The scenarios provide adequate understanding to make decisions
with respect to applying exclusion approach across the two basins for
securing key biodiversity sites (such as critically important
habitats) and prevent adverse impacts on designated protected areas.
Based on five different scenarios that have been presented the
most acceptable option suggests that the decision with respect to 24
proposed Hydro Electric Projects may be reviewed.”
47. WII report also states that out of total 39 proposed projects, 24
projects have been found to be significantly impacting biodiversity in the
two sub-basins and the combined footprint of all 24 projects have been
considered for their potential to impact areas with biodiversity values,
both aquatic and terrestrial, critically important habitat of rare,
endangered and threatened species of flora and fauna and IWPA projected
species.
48. B.K. Chaturvedi Committee, after referring to both the Reports, in
Chapter III (Volume I, April 2013) stated as follows:
“3.66 The River Ganga has over a period of years suffered
environmental degradation due to various factors. It will be
important to maintain pristine river in some river segments of
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. It accordingly recommends that six
rivers, including Nayar, Bal Ganga, Rishi Ganga, Assi Ganga, Dhauli
Ganga (upper reaches), Birahi Ganga and Bhyunder Ganga, should be
kept in pristine form and developments along with measures for
environment up gradation should be taken up. Specifically, it is
proposed that (a) Nayar River and the Ganges stretch between
Devprayag and Rishikesh and (b) Balganga – Tehri Reservoir complex
may be declared as Fish Conservation Reserve as these two stretches
are comparatively less disturbed and have critically important
habitats for long-term survival of Himalayan fishes basin.
Further, no new power projects should be taken up in the above six
river basins. In the IMG’s assessment, this will mean about 400 MW
of Power being not available to the State.
3.67 Pending a longer term perspective on the Ganga Basin Management
Plan, following policy needs to be followed to implement the hydro
power projects on the River Ganga on Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
basins:
(i) No new hydropower projects be taken up beyond 69 projects
already identified (Annex-VIA-VID).
(ii) New hydropower projects may be permitted to be constructed
with limitations as in Paras 3.52-3.54 above and giving priority to
those projects already under construction.
iii) New hydropower projects which are still under investigation or under
development are not being proposed for implementation. However, two
such projects can be considered and a view taken after technical
assessment by the CEA.
Based on the above, projects at Annex-VID may need a review and
decision till after long term Ganga basin study by IIT Consortium.
3.70 The River Ganga has been a pristine River. Over a period
of years, it has been used for irrigation, drinking water and other
purposes. The efforts to keep it in the pristine form have been
minimal. The IMG felt that it will be necessary to take measures
for ensuring that several parts of it which have so far not been
impacted continue to be in the pristine form. Secondly, it consider
necessary to take measures on pollution, particularly in the upper
reaches and the two basins of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. The IMG,
therefore, recommends that six rivers, including Nayar, Bal Ganga
River, Rishi Ganga, Assi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga (upper reaches), Birahi
Ganga and Bhyunder Ganga rivers should be kept in pristine form no
further hydropower developments should take place in this region.
Further, environment upgradation should be taken up in these sub-
basins extensively.”
49. In the Executive Summary of Chaturvedi Report, on the question of
‘Environmental Impact of Projects’, reads as follows:
17. Development of new hydropower projects has impact on environment,
ecology, biodiversity, both terrestrial & aquatic and economic and
social life. 69 hydropower projects with a capacity of 9,020.30 MW
are proposed in Bhagirathi and Alaknanda basins. This includes 17
projects which are operational with a capacity of 2,295.2 MW. In
addition, 26 projects with a capacity of 3,261.3 MW (including 600
MW Lohari Nagpala hydropower project, work on which has been
suspended by Government decision) which were under construction, 11
projects with a capacity of 2,350 MW CEA/TEC clearances and 16
projects with a capacity of 1,673.8 MW under development.
4.18 The implementation of the above 69 hydropower projects has
extensive implications for other needs of this society and the
river itself. It is noticed that the implementation of all the
above projects will lead to 81% of River Bhagirathi and 65% of
River Alaknanda getting affected. Also there are a large number of
projects which have very small distances between them leaving
little space for river to regenerate and revive.
50. The above mentioned Reports would indicate the adverse impact of the
various hydroelectric power projects on the ecology and environment of
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. The cumulative impact of the
various projects in place and which are under construction on the river
basins have not been properly examined or assessed, which requires a
detailed technical and scientific study.
51. We are also deeply concerned with the recent tragedy, which has
affected the Char Dham area of Uttarakhand. Wadia Institute of Himalayan
Geology (WIG) recorded 350mm of rain on June 15-16, 2013. Snowfall ahead
of the cloudburst also has contributed to the floods resulting in the burst
on the banks of Chorabari lake near Kedarnath, leading to large scale
calamity leading to loss of human lives and property.
The adverse effect
of the existing projects, projects under construction and proposed, on the
environment and ecology calls for a detailed scientific study. Proper
Disaster Management Plan, it is seen, is also not in place, resulting in
loss of lives and property. In view of the above mentioned circumstances,
we are inclined to give following directions:
1) We direct the MoEF as well as State of Uttarakhand not to grant
any further environmental clearance or forest clearance for any
hydroelectric power project in the State of Uttarakhand, until
further orders.
2) MoEF is directed to constitute an Expert Body consisting of
representatives of the State Government, WII, Central
Electricity Authority, Central Water Commission and other expert
bodies to make a detailed study as to whether Hydroelectric
Power Projects existing and under construction have contributed
to the environmental degradation, if so, to what extent and also
whether it has contributed to the present tragedy occurred at
Uttarakhand in the month of June 2013.
3) MoEF is directed to examine, as noticed by WII in its report, as
to whether the proposed 24 projects are causing significant
impact on the biodiversity of Alaknanda and Bhagirath River
basins.
4) The Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand would submit a
Report to this Court as to whether they had any Disaster
Management Plan is in place in the State of Uttarakhand and how
effective that plan was for combating the present unprecedented
tragedy at Uttarakhand.
52. Reports would be submitted within a period of three months.
Communicate the order to the Central and State Disaster Management
Authority, Uttarakhand.
53. In view of above, civil appeals and transferred cases are disposed
of.
……………………………..J.
(K.S. Radhakrishnan)
……………………………..J.
(Dipak Misra)
New Delhi,
August 13, 2013
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