Environment
THDC India Ltd. is presently in the process of Implementation of Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) on the River Alaknanda, a major tributary of the River Ganga. It is a Run-of-River (RoR) Scheme with an Installed
Capacity of 444 MW. A Diversion Dam is to be located at Village Helong in Joshimath Tehsil and an underground Power House at Village Haat in Chamoli District.
As per the decision of Government of India, VPHEP was posed for World Bank Financing. Prior to GoI decision to request World Bank funding, THDC India Ltd. had already undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of VPHEP through
Water & Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), a PSU under Ministry of Water Resources, engaged in consultancy in water resources, water supply, hydro power and allied sectors. The Public Hearings was held during Jan., 2007 for the
purpose of Environmental Clearance. Based on the EIA / EMP prepared by WAPCOS & Subsequent Public Hearing, MoEF accorded Environmental Clearance to VPHEP on 22.08.2007.
In order to comply with the requirements of the World Bank safeguard policies, some additional environmental studies were suggested by World Bank. To address these aspects, THDCIL assigned the work of Additional Environmental Studies to
M/s Consulting Engineering Services (India) Private Limited, New Delhi to carry out additional environmental studies and consolidate the initial EIA into a comprehensive Environmental Assessment in line with the requirements of the
Government of India and the World Bank.The Consolidated EIA & EMP Reports prepared was disseminated to the Public during Stakeholders Meeting held on 13thSept., 2009 at VPHEP.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT & MANAGEMENT PLAN (EIA & EMP) OF VPHEP
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involved a detailed survey of the Project area and review of relevant literature on various environmental aspects. A baseline environmental study was conducted to understand the present status
of the environmental resources in the project area.
Based on existing environmental status and proposed project activities, potential impacts have been assessed and appropriate mitigation measures suggested to avoid/reduce/compensate the potential adverse impacts and enhance positive
impacts, the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of VPHEP is a road map that envisages the Plans for proper implementation of mitigation measures in order to reduce probable impacts arising out of project activities during construction
stage. EMP incorporates comprehensive guide to address protection measures, Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan with a budget of Rs 470 million, Institutional mechanism at Corporate & Project Level, Training Component etc. at a
Total Budget of Rs. 762.40 Million and addresses following segments;
- Bio-diversity Management Plan
- Implementation of CAT Plan
- Muck Disposal Management Plan
- Fish Management Plan
- Green Belt Development Plan
- Restoration Of Quarry Sites
- Solid Waste Management Plan
- EMP Measures For Road Construction
- Sanitary Facilities For Labor Camps
- Provision of Fuel
- Public Health Delivery System
- Environment Monitoring Plan
- Adaptive Capacity
- Capacity Building Plan
- ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management System
- Archaeological Management Plan
- Monitoringof KWLS
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES
The Project plan of VPHEP has been developed by meeting all Central and State Government environmental regulations. The Three Stage Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is as under:
- Stage I, Site Clearance : July 2003
- Stage II, Site Clearance : May 2005
- Final Environmental Clearance from MoEF : August 2007
(No Objection Certificate from the State Pollution Control Board: April 2007)
ENVIRONMENT MONITORING MECHANISM
In order to ensure effective implementation of the EMP, THDC India Ltd. has proposed a Multi Layered Monitoring Mechanism that includes Third Party oversight by an independent agency or a committee of experts who will visit the Project
site to review the EMP implementation and suggest improvements.Apart from above, an International Panel of Experts is proposed to be engaged by THDCIL to advise Project on environment and social issues during preparation and will
continue to perform their advisory role in the implementation phase.
[Refer Documents For Reports]
