Kol Dam project marred by controversy, yet again

Mahesh Chander Sharma

Sundernagar, March 13

The authorities of the 800-MW Kol Dam Hydropower Project have failed to comply with the instructions given in a notification issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.

According to the notification, it is mandatory to release 15 per cent of water into the Sutlej in order to save the aquatic life.

The dam, situated on the border of Mandi and Bilaspur, has been constructed on the Sutlej by NTPC Limited. Although the authorities have installed a flow meter to release the water through the spillway, it has developed some fault in its panel following which the condition to release water into the Sutlej is not being fulfilled.

According to sources, the flow of water is sufficient in summer months and the extra water is released through spillways. During electricity production, the water directly goes into the Sutlej. However, the flow of water decreased considerably in winter months and the powerhouse would work for only a few hours and that too in the night.

As per the notification issued under the Environment Protection Act in 2005, it is mandatory to release 15 per cent of water during the lean season in order to meet the environmental norms. It was also made mandatory to install an online device to check the quantity of water. The non-fulfillment of the conditions or violation of norms was made punishable with seven years of jail and a fine for Rs 1 lakh.

On the other hand, Parveen Bharti, PRO, Kol Dam, denied the allegations and said the water was being released through the spillway.

However, during a visit to the spot, it was found that no such condition was being fulfilled. Some water that was going into the river from the tunnels was due to a leakage in the system.

RK Pruthi, Secretary of the HP State Pollution Control Board, said the regional office, Bilaspur, had been directed to initiate action as per the law. He said the violation of environment laws would not be tolerated.