Why in the News?
The Union government informed the Supreme Court of India that no new hydroelectric projects should be permitted in the upper reaches of the Ganga in Uttarakhand.
Key Highlights
- Ministries of:
- Environment
- Jal Shakti
- Power
- Submitted a common affidavit opposing new hydel projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins.
Projects Allowed
The Centre allowed only seven ongoing or substantially completed projects, including:
- Tehri Pumped Storage Project
- Tapovan Vishnugad
- Vishnugad Pipalkoti
- Singoli Bhatwari
- Phata Byung
Reasons for Restricting New Projects
The government cited:
- Seismic fragility of the Himalayas
- Cumulative impact of “bumper-to-bumper” dams
- Flood disasters such as:
- 2013 Kedarnath floods
- 2025 Dharali flash flood
Background
- The case originated after the 2013 Kedarnath disaster.
- The Supreme Court had asked expert committees to study the impact of hydropower projects in Uttarakhand.
[2009] The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers?
(a) Beas
(b) Chenab
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej
