Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding EC granted to Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro-Electric Project, district Chamoli, Uttarakhand, 08/10/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Dr. Bharat Jhunjhunwala & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 08/10/2021.
The Appeal has been preferred against Environment Clearance (EC), August 26, 2021 granted by MoEF&CC to the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro-Electric Project of 444 MW in an area of 141.568 ha by M/s THDC India Limited located at Village Haat, Tehsil Joshimath, District Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
The appellant has stated that initially EC for the project was granted on August 22, 2007 for ten years, which was extended for three years and has been now extended upto August 21, 2021. However, the project has not been operationalized and is still under construction.
The NGT directed notice to be issued to the MoEF&CC and the project proponent and directed them to file a response within one month. The MoEF&CC has been asked to obtain and file an expert opinion from the EAC for river valley and hydro electric projects within two months.