A detailed review of functioning of Union Ministry of Environment and Forests’ (MoEF) Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on River Valley Projects (RVP) for 2024 by SANDRP shows that the committee or for that matter MoEF has almost non-existent rejection rate. Even when a project is not cleared, when it applies again, it gets clearance, whether the application if for stage I (Terms of Reference) or Stage II (Environment Clearance- EC) clearance. Even in some cases like Pump Storage Projects (PSP) in Western Ghats or the Hydropower projects in disaster prone Himalayas, including the disaster-stricken projects like the 1200 MW Teesta III projects in Sikkim, the scrutiny including field visits by the EAC Sub committees is minimal, not worthy calling even scrutiny.
Continue reading “DRP 200125: Whither Env Clearance Rejection rate from Expert Appraisal Committee or MoEF?”Category: Dams
EAC & FAC Decisions on Dams, Hydro, Irrigation Projects in 2024
This annual overview tracks the minutes of meetings held by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydropower Projects between 20 December 2023 and 31 December 2024 for consideration of Dams, Hydroelectric Power (HEP), Pumped Storage Hydro Projects (PSP) and Irrigation related proposals seeking Terms of Reference (TOR) and Environment Clearance (EC) approvals. The analysis also covers various water projects related proposals considered by the Forest Appraisal Committee (FAC) between 15 December 2023 and 26 December 2024 for Forest Clearances (FC).
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Rivers Flowing in Extreme Flood Situation during Northeast Monsoon 2024
In addition to rivers flowing in extreme flood situations at 64 flooding monitoring stations during Southwest Monsoon 2024, we have found that rivers have crossed highest flood level (HFL) at four stations during just concluded Northeast Monsoon season. Of these four stations, three are in Tamil Nadu state and one is in Union Territory of Puducherry.
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2024: Corruption in Hydro, Dams in India
(Feature Image: Construction site of 382 Mw Sunni Hydro project on Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh. Source: Social Media)
This annual overview focusses on important reports highlighting the corruption issues related to the hydro and dam projects in India in 2024. The electoral bond case has revealed the deep nexus among political parties, contractors and financers as dominant force working behind the projects overlooking the evident disaster risks and undermining the democratic process. As a result, the people, rivers and environment are made to bear the burden and burnt.
The part 1 of the yearend roundup has documented the accidents and disasters related to dam and HEP projects in India in 2024. The part 2 focuses on community resistance against hydro projects in Himalayan states. The part 3 covers the struggle of dam projects affected people. The part 4 highlights growing concerns against pump storage projects.
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2024: Dam Affected Continue to Struggle across India
(Feature Image: Tribals in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh protesting against Basania dam in March 2024. Image: ETV Bharat)
The part 3 of annual 2024 overview on the dams and hydro projects covers the ongoing movements of dam affected people in India. All through the year 2024, the Narmada Bachao Andolan continued peaceful protests seeking justice for Sardar Sarovar Project affected villagers. Tribals in upper Narmada Valley have also been fiercely opposing the Basania dam. The Hirakud dam displaced people have demanded formation of statutory national commission to hear their grievances.
The plight of Pong dam affected villagers have worsened as they again face displacement from rehabilitated lands due to new development projects while most of the land given to Renuka dam affected has been damaged by floods. It is indeed tragic that despite sacrificing their land and livelihoods for the ‘development’ of the country decades back, thousands of dams affected villagers are still forced to fight for promised rehabilitation.
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Letter to the EAC: No justification for Adani Dams in the Western Ghats
28.11.24
To,
The Chairperson and Members,
Expert Appraisal Committee, River Valley Projects,
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
New Delhi
Subject: Submission against 1500 MW Warasgaon Warangi Pumped Storage Project by Adani Green Energy to be discussed in the 19th EAC meeting for TORs
Respected Sirs,
We see that Adani Green Energy’s 1500 MW Warasgaon-Warangi Pumped Storage Project is being considered for fresh TORs in the upcoming meeting of the EAC. We have gone through the documents uploaded by the proponent (AGEL) on MoEF CC’s Parivesh Website.[1]
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When the riverbanks bloom in color
Sharad Ritu or Autumn is eulogized in almost all Indian epics. Ramayana especially talks about the crystal clear waters, emerging silver sand banks and blossoming kash grasses along the rivers in this season.
Festivals around the autumnal harvest time, like Durga Puja and Navratri bring bustle and energy across the land. In Maharashtra, days before Navratri hold a special significance. Entire homes are washed, scrubbed and laundered before the deity enters the abode. But thousands of people living in tiny homes, with miniscule bathrooms have no place to wash their bedsheets, blankets, curtains and such home linen. No space and more importantly, no water.
And so, they gather along a place where people have been coming together since time immemorial: the riverbank.
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MoEF Committee Rejects the Adani Application and asks to apply afresh for Warasgaon-Warangi Project!
MoEF Committee Rejects the Adani Application and asks to apply afresh for Warasgaon-Warangi Project!
In a respite to forest dwelling communities, fragile biodiversity and community conservation areas in the Western Ghats, Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) rejected Adani Energy’s application for 1500 MW Warasgaon-Warangi Pump Storage Project. The committee has asked the proponent to apply afresh for Stage I Clearance, adding several conditions to assessment.
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Adani Pump Storage Dams: Defiling sacred pools and fish sanctuaries in the Western Ghats
Adani Energy proposes to build two large dams in the heart of Western Ghats as a part of Warangi-Warasgaon Pumped Storage Project. One of the dams will be located in Tekpowale Village, about 65 kms from Pune.
I actually could not believe my eyes when I read the name Tekpowale.
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Flood Lines, Riverfront Development & Citizen Heroes: Story of Pune Floods
If a city deserved beautiful rivers only through the sheer will and efforts of its civil society, Pune would be a strong contender.
For decades Pune’s civil society has been remarkably active in protecting its rivers. Organizations like Gomukh, Parisar, Soppecom, ACWADAM, Vanrai, Jal Biradari, Ecological Society and newer, powerful people-led groups like Jeevit Nadi and Pune River Revival have put up studies, reports and protests at times. Experts, academics, musicians, poets, writers, historians, students have held the cause of Pune’s rivers high. At any given time, several public interest litigations are being fought by the weary yet hopeful groups, fueled by personal funds, time and passion.
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