The fragile ecology of Himachal Pradesh’s tribal district of Kinnaur is reportedly under threat from hydroelectric project developers engaged in unscientific blasting and illegal dumping of construction debris into local rivers and streams. The ongoing construction of multiple such projects in the ecologically sensitive region has led to significant environmental damage, sparking widespread concern among residents and prompting judicial intervention.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the construction activities for the 20 MW Roura-II hydroelectric project, being undertaken by Roura Non Conventional Energy Pvt Ltd, have become a focal point of these environmental grievances. Villagers have lodged protests against the alleged ecological damage, citing continuous blasting and the disposal of muck into watercourses as primary causes of widespread anger.
The gravity of the situation led the Himachal Pradesh High Court to initiate a suo motu case, taking cognizance of the purported environmental degradation and the threats to the region’s delicate ecosystem. The court has formally requested detailed responses from the state government, the Deputy Conservator of Forests in Kinnaur, the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, and the local panchayat pradhan concerning the allegations.
The Roura-II project, slated for construction on the Roura Khad stream near Yula village, was initially conceived in 2012. Its stated objective was to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating electricity through a clean and renewable hydropower source, thereby lessening reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal power generation for the integrated New and Renewable Energy Sources (NEWNE) grid.
Although the project was projected for commissioning by July 2014, the commencement of significant construction work was delayed until 2023, following the completion of requisite formalities and the acquisition of statutory clearances. As the construction phase progressed, local inhabitants began voicing their apprehensions regarding the adverse impact of the project on the area’s natural environment.
Residents have alleged that construction debris and muck are being unlawfully dumped on mountainsides and directly into nullahs, resulting in severe ecological degradation. These actions, according to the villagers, have not only harmed the environment but also pose risks to human settlements and infrastructure.
Furthermore, the local community has accused the district administration of inaction, claiming that their repeated appeals for intervention have gone unaddressed. This perceived lack of oversight has exacerbated the villagers’ frustration and anxiety over the escalating environmental concerns.
Anil Kapoor, a social activist and a resident of Yula village, stated that the project’s design appears to have deviated from its initial plan. While the project was reportedly approved with provisions for pipelines, the company has allegedly proceeded with the construction of tunnels instead. He pointed out that intensive blasting operations are being conducted, which are adversely affecting the geologically sensitive mountains in neighbouring villages.
Kapoor further highlighted a critical issue regarding the disposal of construction waste. He noted that despite the Detailed Project Report (DPR) specifying a designated site for dumping, no such facility has been established by the company. Consequently, debris and muck are being indiscriminately dumped into nullahs and onto slopes, impacting both the local populace and the environment. The situation has become dire, with continuous blasting reportedly causing cracks to appear in numerous houses in nearby villages.
“We have informed the district administration through our panchayat representatives that approximately 40 houses have developed visible cracks,” Kapoor stated, adding that “no concrete action has been taken so far.” He also mentioned that the dust generated from the construction site is damaging local orchards and agricultural fields, making livestock management difficult and raising concerns about the contamination of water bodies. The illegal dumping, he warned, also heightens the risk of extensive damage during cloudburst events, a recurring hazard during the monsoon season in the region.
This is not an isolated incident of opposition to hydroelectric projects in Kinnaur. In 2021, a significant grassroots movement, ‘No Means No’, was launched by residents to protest against the establishment of new hydroelectric projects in the district. The campaign cited concerns over environmental damage, increased landslide risks, and threats to life and property as reasons for their opposition.
The momentum generated by this movement led to the Jangi-Thopan-Powari hydropower project being put on hold in 2021. Subsequently, in 2023, the state government officially cancelled the project’s allotment to SJVN, a public sector undertaking involved in hydropower development.
Kinnaur, situated at an altitude of 2,769 metres, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, encompassing the Zanskar, Greater Himalaya, and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The district is a major tourist destination, attracting a large number of visitors annually. It is also a vital watershed, home to the Sutlej river and its tributaries, the Spiti and Baspa rivers, along with extensive forests, apple orchards, agricultural lands, and picturesque villages, all of which are intrinsically linked to the region’s ecological balance.
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