Activists write to Ministry of Environment on Luhri Project:Change in size, not the solution

Himdhara, Environment Research and Action Collective along with the Satluj Bachao Jan Sangharsh Samiti have raised serious issues with the random change in the capacity of the 775 MW Luhri Hydro-electric Project. The Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on River Valley Projects had directed the SJVN to maintain higher environment releases from Luhri Dam, as a result of which the project (HEP) has undergone a reduction in capacity from 775 MW to 600 MW. The project proponents have reduced the design discharge from 480 to 380 cumecs. This would mean a realignment of the tunnel. News reports also revealed that in a meeting with CEA on January 3, 2013 it was decided that the project will be redesigned with the option of single tunnel of 10.5 diameter in place of twin tunnels of 9 meter diameter.

Activists, however, say that there is no reason to celebrate. “This is such a random and adhoc measure” said Nidhi Agarwal of Himdhara. In a letter written to Jayanthi Natrajan, the groups have stated “Any change in scope of the project calls for a fresh scoping clearance and Environment Impact Assessment as per the provisions of the EIA Notification 2006”, she added

The letter also highlights that this reduction in size does not address the issue of the tunnel length and the absence of the free-flowing river for a stretch of 50 kms still remains. Further, the main contention of the local communities that the EIA report has no impact assessment of the tunnel and transmission line components of the project which will affect close to 78 villages, still stands.

Added Nek Ram Sharma of Satluj Bachao Jan Sangharsh Samiti, “If they are so concerned about environmental flows they need to look at the cascade of 30 odd dams on the Satluj River basin. If the Himachal Government has asked ICFRE, Dehradun to conduct a cumulative impact study to evaluate the impacts of all these projects, why cannot the environment clearances be put on hold till then?”

He further added that by granting Stage 1 forest clearance to the project, the Ministry of Environment has diluted its stand on not to allow diversion of forests without consent of the Gram Sabha and settlement of local rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006. These issues are linked and need to be seen as a whole. A mere reduction in size of the project from 775 to 600 MW will not address the deeper concerns related to ecological and social impacts of such destructive projects.

 Minutes of the 64th EAC on RVP – Meeting

Hindi and English press note15 march2013