13 hrs ago
Congress Challenges Centre’s Block on New Ganderbal Hydropower Project
A power project called New Ganderbal is planned in Jammu and Kashmir.
It would make 93 megawatts of electricity.
A central environment committee refused to give the project more time under its existing environmental approval.
The committee said no construction has started, even though the project has been planned for many years.
It also said the work and environmental protections would not finish by 2028.
Congress leaders said the elected Jammu and Kashmir government should have been consulted.
They called the decision an insult to democratic institutions.
The project has faced cancelled contracts, new tenders, and rising costs.
If completed, it is expected to produce much more electricity for Kashmir and replace an older power station.
A central environmental panel rejected a two-year extension for the 93-megawatt New Ganderbal hydropower project in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat criticized the decision for allegedly being made without consulting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah or the elected government.
The Expert Appraisal Committee said construction had not begun and that even a 2028 extension would not allow enough time to complete the project and its Environmental Management Plan.
Project costs rose from ₹965.87 crore in 2014 to ₹1,610.55 crore in 2021, while repeated contracting efforts faced setbacks.
Located on Nallah Sindh, the project is intended to replace the 15-megawatt Ganderbal station and generate 382.82 GWh annually.
- Who
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Expert Appraisal Committee made the decision; Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat criticized it on behalf of the elected Jammu and Kashmir government.
- What
- The committee rejected the J&K Power Development Corporation’s request for a two-year extension of environmental clearance for the New Ganderbal hydropower project.
- Where
- The project is located on Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir.
- When
- The committee considered the matter at its 60th meeting in New Delhi last month; the project’s environmental clearance was originally granted in September 2013.
- Why
- The committee cited major delays, the absence of physical construction, and insufficient time to complete construction and the Environmental Management Plan, while Congress objected that the elected government was not consulted.
Elected Government and Congress
Central Environment Panel
Consultation and authority
Elected Government and Congress
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said the decision was made without consulting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, concerned ministries, or the elected government, calling it an institutional affront.
Central Environment Panel
The Expert Appraisal Committee’s stated focus was the project’s environmental-clearance status, delays, missing construction progress, and updated documentation requirements.
Whether more time was justified
Elected Government and Congress
The J&K Power Development Corporation sought a two-year extension, and Congress objected to the way the project was handled over the elected government’s objections.
Central Environment Panel
The committee concluded that even an extension until 2028 would not allow the construction work and Environmental Management Plan to be completed.
Key facts
- Project capacity
- 93 megawatts
- Project location
- Nallah Sindh, Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Original environmental clearance
- Granted in September 2013
- Requested extension
- Two years, through September 26, 2028
- Estimated annual generation
- 382.82 GWh
- Cost increase
- From ₹965.87 crore in 2014 to ₹1,610.55 crore in 2021
- Planned replacement
- The ageing 15-megawatt Ganderbal hydropower station
Quotes
Nizamuddin Bhat
Congress MLA in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly
“This is nothing short of an institutional affront—proof that crucial decisions are now being taken over the heads of the elected government, in complete disregard of the democratic mandate it carries.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The decision was taken without consulting the Chief Minister and other concerned ministries.”
deccanchronicle.com
MoEFCC Expert Appraisal Committee
Environmental appraisal committee reviewing the New Ganderbal project
“Even if a further extension of two years up to 26.09.2028 is considered, the project construction works as well as implementation of the EMP would still not be completed within the extended validity period.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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