Diversion of 197 ha of J&K Forest Land approved for 820-MW Power Plant

Srinagar, Jun 29: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change advisory committee has granted ‘in-principle’ approval for the diversion of over 197 hectares of forest land in Jammu & Kashmir to facilitate the construction of the 820 Megawatt (MW) Kirthai-II Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab river in Kishtwar.
The official documents reveal that the advisory committee recommended the proposal for grant of ‘in-principle’ approval for diversion of 197.27 hectare of Forest land for construction of Kirthai- II Hydro Electric Project.
“The advisory committee after detailed discussion and deliberation with the DDGF (Central), Regional Office, Chandigarh and Nodal Officer from J&K after going through the facts of the proposal, the Committee recommended the proposal for grant of ‘in-principle’ approval for diversion of 197.27 ha. of Forest land ( Reserved Forest: 191.95 Ha and Others: 5.32 Ha) for construction of Kirthai- II Hydro Electric Project (820 MW) by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) on Chenab river within the jurisdiction of Kishtwar Forest Division, District- Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir,” it reads.
The clearance however has been subjected to general, standard and specific conditions wherein the ‘State Government’ has informed that applications for 02 clay quarries and 04 rock quarries are under process with the Department of Geology & Mining, UT of J&K.
“However, approval for quarrying and the Mining Plans have not yet been obtained. As per Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Rules, 2023, the approved Mining Plan is required to be submitted along with the compliance report of Stage-1 approval,” reads the documents.
The advisor panel has further informed that all the muck dumping sites are located near the banks of the River Chenab, the State Government will take appropriate engineering and biological measures to prevent erosion, siltation, and any adverse environmental impacts on the river ecology.
“The project site is located within a high mountainous gorge along the river Chenab characterized by moderate to steep slopes. The User Agency (UA) needs to exercise special caution during project implementation, as activities such as rock cutting and earthwork may lead to soil erosion. To mitigate these impacts, the User Agency is required to take appropriate measures to prevent soil erosion,” it reads.
The documents further said that the trees proposed to be felled in the project area would affect the ecosystem in general, especially in terms of increased run-off and soil erosion that may lead to landslides. “Therefore, the State Government should take necessary mitigation measures and put in place necessary safety and monitoring measures.”
It also said that the ‘State Government’ shall ensure implementation of the Site-Specific Wildlife and Biodiversity Management Plan, duly approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), at the cost of the User Agency.
“The State Government shall ensure implementation of the duly approved CAT Plan at the cost of the User Agency. The requisite funds shall be deposited by the User Agency in the account of National CAMPA,” reads the document. (KNO)