The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has deferred the proposal for Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project in Baramulla district. This decision was made due to a lack of critical information concerning environmental, wildlife, and forest-related aspects.
Analysis and Observations
After a detailed presentation by NHPC Limited and M/s R S Envirolink Technologies Pvt Ltd, the EAC, which comprises 12 experts from various fields, made several key observations:
- Land Requirement: The total land required for the project is 102 hectares, of which 85 hectares is non-forest land and 17 hectares is forest land. The Stage-I Forest Clearance for the 17 hectares of forest land is still under process.
- Public Hearing Concerns: The EAC discussed the issues raised during the public hearing and reviewed the action plan submitted by the Project Proponent. While the action plan was deemed satisfactory, the proposal was deferred due to the need for additional information.
Additional Information Requested
The EAC has directed the Project Proponent to submit further details before the project can proceed:
- Environmental Flow Data: Monitoring data for the environmental flow of the existing project must be submitted.
- Wildlife Conservation Plan: An approved wildlife conservation plan is required, given the project’s proximity to a Wildlife Protected Area.
- Forest Land Classification: Detailed classification of the project area, including forest density, species diversity, and ecological characteristics, must be provided.
- Videography: The EAC has requested videography of the entire public hearing proceedings and drone videography of the project area.
Project Cost and Environmental Measures
- Estimated Project Cost: Rs 2167.61 crore
- Environment Management Plan: Rs 3010.70 lakh allocated towards Environmental Pollution Control measures.
- Recurring Costs: Operation and maintenance costs are estimated at Rs 2819.91 lakh, approximately Rs 402.84 lakh per annum.
Project Details and Background
- Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW): This is an extension of the existing Uri-I Stage-I (480 MW) project on the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Stage-I History: The Environmental Clearance for Uri-I Hydroelectric Project (480 MW) was granted on June 27, 1980, and Forest Clearance for the diversion of 54.70 hectares was granted on May 21, 1986. Stage I was commissioned in 1997.
- Stage-II Construction: New construction includes the headrace tunnel (HRT), surge shaft, pressure shaft, powerhouse, and penstock.
Water Flow and Utilization
The EAC noted that Uri-I Stage-II is designed to capitalize on diverted water from the Kishanganga River, which now flows into the Jhelum River, increasing the water available for the Uri-I Stage-II project.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the primary reason for deferring the Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project Stage-II?
- A) Lack of funding
- B) Lack of information on environmental, wildlife, and forest-related aspects
- C) Opposition from local communities
- D) Technical difficulties in construction
Answer: B) Lack of information on environmental, wildlife, and forest-related aspects
- How much forest land is required for the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project Stage-II?
- A) 85 hectares
- B) 102 hectares
- C) 17 hectares
- D) 54.70 hectares
Answer: C) 17 hectares
- Which river’s water flow is being utilized for the Uri-I Stage-II project?
- A) Ganga River
- B) Yamuna River
- C) Kishanganga River
- D) Brahmaputra River
Answer: C) Kishanganga River
- When was the Environmental Clearance for Uri-I Hydroelectric Project Stage-I granted?
- A) 1997
- B) 1980
- C) 1986
- D) 2018
Answer: B) 1980
- What is the estimated total capital cost earmarked for Environmental Pollution Control measures in the project?
- A) Rs 2167.61 crore
- B) Rs 3010.70 lakh
- C) Rs 2819.91 lakh
- D) Rs 402.84 lakh
Answer: B) Rs 3010.70 lakh