The Union Government has stated that there are no reports indicating any damage to houses or structures in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district due to activities associated with hydropower projects. The government’s response, presented in the Rajya Sabha, addresses concerns raised about blasting, tunnelling, and muck disposal activities linked to projects executed by NHPC Limited and Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CVPPL).
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed the Upper House that no cases of structural damage have been reported in Kishtwar district resulting from the construction operations of these hydropower projects. This information was provided in response to an unstarred question posed by Rajya Sabha Member Sajad Ahmad Kichloo. The Member of Parliament had specifically sought details on the number of houses and structures allegedly affected, along with information on compensation assessed and disbursed to families impacted by these activities.
The Ministry of Power’s written response indicated a lack of available information regarding any such damage. Consequently, no data on compensation claims or disbursements could be provided. The government’s submission suggests that, based on the information available to it, the construction activities related to the hydropower projects have not led to structural integrity issues in residential buildings or other properties in the district.
Regarding environmental compliance, the government assured that both NHPC and CVPPL are adhering to all stipulated conditions for environmental clearances. These conditions encompass responsible muck disposal, adherence to blasting norms, and the implementation of other environmental safeguards for their ongoing hydropower projects. The Ministry further noted that six-monthly environmental compliance reports are regularly submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), ensuring a system of oversight and accountability for environmental management practices.
In addition to environmental safeguards, the government clarified that no forest land has been diverted or utilized by NHPC or CVPPL for their projects without obtaining the necessary statutory clearances. This statement addresses potential concerns regarding land acquisition and the impact on forest cover, emphasizing that all land-related regulations are being followed. The projects in Kishtwar are a significant part of the region’s energy infrastructure development, and the government’s response aims to allay public concerns regarding their potential impact on local communities and the environment.
The Chenab Times News Desk