Vishnugad-Pipalkoti power project in Uttarakhand in trouble, World Bank to send team for investigation
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http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vishnugad-pipalkoti-hydro-electric-project-chamoli-world-bank/1/241670.htmlThe 444 MW Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project, located in Chamoli, could be in trouble. Acting on the complaints made by local people against policy violation, the main funding agency World Bank will be sending its inspection panel to probe the allegations in coming March.
The Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project, located near village Haatgoan in Chamoli, is being built on Alaknanda river, a main tributary of Ganga. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation is developing this run of the river project with a budget of Rs.2491.58 crores. After receiving a series of complains the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved investigate matters of policy non-compliance and related harm last month.
The project is facing ire of the local people because houses and land located in the area have developed cracks due to blasting for the development work.
The local villagers allege that the power project will degrade the water quality of Alaknanda river and also result in loss of aquatic life. "We are happy that the complaint has been accepted for a full investigation by the Inspection Panel" said Briharshraj Tadiyal, one the complainants. Another complainant Bharat Jhunjhunwala said "We hope for a fair and independent investigation and no work or funds disbursements should happen till all issues are settled to the satisfaction of all concerned".
Giving its consent, World Banks writes on its website, "The Board of Executive Directors approved the Inspection Panel's Report and Recommendation to investigate matters of policy non-compliance and related harm raised in the Request for Inspection. The Panel's Recommendation was approved on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, effective as of March 15, 2013. The relevant documents will be disclosed after March 15, 2013, and the Panel will commence its investigation after this date."
The Inspection Panel was set up in 1993, following the Independent Review Committee which looked into the violations by Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Dam resulting World Bank's withdrawal from the project.
The loss of aquatic species and also degradation of the natural habitat of endangered species such as the "Cheer" pheasant, otter, and Mahaseer fish is yet another major issue raised in the complaint. There are serious concerns about the loss of livelihood due to this project. People's access to river, sand and fish will be severely impacted due to this project. As many houses have developed cracks many villagers fear that these houses will collapse if there were to be an earthquake as the area is in a high risk seismic zone.
Puran Singh Rana, a member of Matu organization, opposing the project, says, "Water shortages will occur in the stretch of the river where water will be diverted into the underground tunnel. The quality of the water in the Alaknanda River will be degraded when it is diverted into the underground tunnel and its free flow is blocked."
In addition to this, the complaint also says that due to the diversion of the river there is no river water available for religious and cultural rituals like bathing festival, funeral rites, river worship, etc.
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