UDHAGAMANDALAM: The proposed Rs 4,950-crore Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in the Nilgiris has been put on hold, according to at least three high-level government sources.
After the release of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the project, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) started the groundwork like blasting of rocks and quarrying of earth at the project site, which falls under the Kundha taluk.
“The site stability tests by blasting rocks and other activities carried out by Tangedco have been stopped,” a high-level source from the district administration said.
“The project is a public-private partnership wherein the state govt would allocate funds while the central government would act as a regulatory authority,” the source said.
“The proposed site for the hydro project has a few burial grounds and temples of tribal communities,” the source mentioned.
The proposed hydroelectric project aims at building two dams and connecting them with a 10km tunnel. It would be developed in the middle of around 25 villages.
The past months saw several protests by the villagers and environmentalists against the project. Several petitions were sent to the govt and chief minister M K Stalin by the Save Sillahalla Movement and environmentalists.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) indefinitely postponed a public hearing on the project scheduled on March 20 at EB office in Kundha.
Jayanthi Murali, chairman, TNPCB, told TOI, “The board’s part in this connection is only to conduct the public hearing, which is to be chaired by the district collector, and to send the report to the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF).”
According to a source in Chennai, the hydro project, a public-private partnership, is yet to be sanctioned. The project is yet to get NOCs from various authorities like MoEF at the Centre and environment clearance at the state level, besides a NOC from the forest department. None of the procedures has taken off.
A source in the forest department said, “There has been no communication seeking NOC for the project”.
When contacted, J Radhakrishnan, chairman and managing director of Tangedco, told TOI, “At this stage, I am not an authorised person to give a view on the project. However, due consideration must be given to the view of the public. Also, views of the senior officials, environmentalists, and the public in large must be taken into consideration before taking an appropriate action in this connection.”
People in the Nilgiris are upset over the EIA report, which is silent on the cultural significance of the indigenous people of badagas and tribes such as todas, irulas, kotas and others who inhabit the proposed area for the hydro project.
Kundah Pumped Storage Hydro Electric Project, which is underway in the Nilgiris, is likely to be operational next year.
After the release of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the project, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) started the groundwork like blasting of rocks and quarrying of earth at the project site, which falls under the Kundha taluk.
“The site stability tests by blasting rocks and other activities carried out by Tangedco have been stopped,” a high-level source from the district administration said.
“The project is a public-private partnership wherein the state govt would allocate funds while the central government would act as a regulatory authority,” the source said.
“The proposed site for the hydro project has a few burial grounds and temples of tribal communities,” the source mentioned.
The proposed hydroelectric project aims at building two dams and connecting them with a 10km tunnel. It would be developed in the middle of around 25 villages.
The past months saw several protests by the villagers and environmentalists against the project. Several petitions were sent to the govt and chief minister M K Stalin by the Save Sillahalla Movement and environmentalists.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) indefinitely postponed a public hearing on the project scheduled on March 20 at EB office in Kundha.
Jayanthi Murali, chairman, TNPCB, told TOI, “The board’s part in this connection is only to conduct the public hearing, which is to be chaired by the district collector, and to send the report to the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF).”
According to a source in Chennai, the hydro project, a public-private partnership, is yet to be sanctioned. The project is yet to get NOCs from various authorities like MoEF at the Centre and environment clearance at the state level, besides a NOC from the forest department. None of the procedures has taken off.
A source in the forest department said, “There has been no communication seeking NOC for the project”.
When contacted, J Radhakrishnan, chairman and managing director of Tangedco, told TOI, “At this stage, I am not an authorised person to give a view on the project. However, due consideration must be given to the view of the public. Also, views of the senior officials, environmentalists, and the public in large must be taken into consideration before taking an appropriate action in this connection.”
People in the Nilgiris are upset over the EIA report, which is silent on the cultural significance of the indigenous people of badagas and tribes such as todas, irulas, kotas and others who inhabit the proposed area for the hydro project.
Kundah Pumped Storage Hydro Electric Project, which is underway in the Nilgiris, is likely to be operational next year.
You may also like
Pilot's chilling final words before largest loss of life on British airliner
Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer who saw 57 transfers, bids adieu to public service tomorrow
DC Vs KKR, IPL 2025, Match 48: Kolkata Knight Riders Defeat Delhi Capitals By 14 Runs In High-Scoring Clash At Arun Jaitley Stadium
Pahalgam terror attack: RSS chief Bhagwat visits PM Modi's residence
Justice Gavai appointed next CJI, to take oath on May 14
