Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 17: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has issued notices to the Union Government, J&K Government and other authorities on a petition alleging environmental violations, excessive blasting, indiscriminate muck dumping and damage to houses in villages affected by the 540-MW Kwar Hydro-Electric Project in Kishtwar district.
A Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, issued notices to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Central Pollution Control Board; J&K Pollution Control Committee; Chief Secretary, J&K; Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar; and Managing Director, Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (CVPPL).
The respondents have been asked to respond by the next date of hearing on November 30, 2026.
The proceedings arose out of Original Application No. 348/2026, filed by Guddu Kumar and Sanjay Kumar on behalf of residents of Halqa Panchayat Padyarna, Block Nagseni, Kishtwar. The applicants have alleged that construction activities connected with the hydroelectric project have resulted in serious environmental and safety concerns, including landslides and cracks developing in land, residential houses and other structures.
Taking note of the allegations, the Tribunal observed that a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms had been raised. It noted the applicants' allegation that muck generated during construction was being dumped on slopes, allegedly affecting the Chenab River and its basin, and that photographs had also been placed on record in support of the plea.
Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah, appearing for the applicants, submitted that continuous and excessive blasting operations in the project area were causing severe vibrations and structural damage to residential houses in villages including Sumna Bhatta, Pullar and Padyarna.
He further submitted that cracks had allegedly developed in walls and foundations of several houses, raising concerns about the safety of residents. The operation of stone crushers, movement of heavy vehicles and continuing construction activity were also alleged to be causing excessive dust pollution in surrounding areas.
Advocate Shah further told the Tribunal that residents had approached the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, through a representation dated May 5, 2025, complaining about alleged illegal blasting and unauthorised stone-crushing activities. A reminder was submitted on July 9, 2025, following which, according to the applicants, the DC's office directed CVPPL to furnish a detailed report within three days.
The applicants, however, alleged that no effective remedial action followed, prompting them to approach the green tribunal.
The NGT also recorded that the applicants relied upon Clause 5 of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Management Plan for District Kishtwar, contending that the report reflected a high GLOF risk relevant to construction of the dam.
Considering the issues raised, the Tribunal directed issuance of notices to the concerned authorities and ordered the matter to be listed on November 30, 2026.
The allegations remain subject to the responses of the authorities and adjudication by the Tribunal. (JNF) |
