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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES OF NJHEP
It is well recognized that hydro power constitutes the cheapest source of
power generation in India even after the recent enormous increases in the cost
of the equipment and the implementation of civil works. The economic advantages
of hydro power has been enhanced in the recent years with the steep increases
in the energy costs from fossil fuel and the rapidly approaching limits to the
exploitable resources of such fuels. The importance of hydro electric
development for economic and reliable supply of power is recognized today and
harnessing of hydro power is major initiative of all Indian Governments these
days. Being environment friendly as compared to other sources of power,
development of hydro power is major thrust in Indian context.
The controversy concerning the large versus small dams, fear of earthquakes,
silting of reservoirs, submergence of forests, extinction of "rare"
flora and fauna, submergence of ancient cultural heritage, the prospect of
outbreak of diseases like malaria and dislocation of population are often cited
as reasons for abandoning the large hydro projects. However ,SJVN as a
responsible corporate always shown its due concern for this important issue of
Environment and social concern of hydro projects.
SJVN ‘s journey to clean and green power started with its maiden
initiative of 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Electric Project on river Satluj in
Himachal Pradesh. The project was successfully commissioned and Environment
initiatives taken and Environment Management activities followed by SJVN have
not only commended by The World Bank ,but, also by external independent
agencies such as World Environment Foundation ,New Delhi and Green Tech
Foundation ,New Delhi. These agencies have recognized Environment Management of
SJVN in Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Project by awarding “Golden Pea Cock
Eco-Innovation Award-2004”, “Green Tech Silver Award on Environment
Management – 2004” and Greentech Silver Award 2005-06. The Resettlement
activities of project affected people was highly appreciated by the World Bank.
The Impact Assessment of R&R Implementation conducted by agro Economic
Research Centre, H.P. University, Shimla has also reported considerable
positive increase in the standard of living, education and health status of
Project affected Families.
The major Environment & Social improvement steps of SJVN in its Nathpa
Jhakri Project and new projects such as Rampur HEP, Luhri HEP and Khab HEP are
:
Afforestation and Soil Stabilization Works
Soil erosion is a natural process continuing with or without resources
development. This may be due to various climatological anomalies such as flash
flood, cloud burst, land slide, avalanches etc. Hydro Power Projects especially
run of the river schemes do not cause substantial soil erosion. The marginal
pressure on the soil erosion during construction can be compensated by
restoration of construction area through levelling, filling of borrow pits and
land scaping etc. Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has taken adequate
measures to offset soil erosion and slips. Soil conservation and slip
protection works have been carried out by constructing check walls, retaining
walls, terracing, rock anchors, rock bolts, shot crete with wire mesh and wire
crates etc. . In order to protect the structures of the project a number of
soil erosion/slope stabilization measures have been taken by SJVNL. Depending
upon the structures/geological conditions of the area the soil erosion/ slope
stabilization measures were identified, designed and executed at different
locations of the project. This has been compensated by massive afforestation,
soil conservation measures and avenue plantation which have been got executed
through State Forest Department at a cost of Rupees 3.20 crores. A total number
of more than 7 lacs plants of selected species e.g. Pinus, Roxburghii, Cedrus
Deodara, Euclyptus etc., have been planted. Nurseries have been raised by
forest department at various locations.
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| Afforestation Sites of NJHEP |
Nursery Developed in NJHEP |
Live slips have been treated by katta crate technique in wire mesh along the
contour in staggered manner. About 145 ha area of land have been treated by
this technique and also 27 km. of khad & nallahs prove to flood have been
got treated through State Forest Deptt. These measures have helped to protect
the entire unstable slope.
Avenue Plantation and Land Scaping
In addition to the compensatory afforestation and environmental protection
works, avenue plantation in and around the project area has also been carried
out through State Forest department with SJVNL funding. Moreover, SJVNL itself
and its contractors have also done avenue plantation for beautification of the
area About 20,000 plants of selected species like Hybuscus, Bottle brush,
Alastuna, Tikoma, Kanes etc. are planted on above locations at Jhakri, Kotla
& Nathpa and at project sites like outfall & pot head yard etc.
Restoration of Dumping Sites & Quarry Area
About 65 lacs cubic metre of muck has been generated from the excavation of
this mega project components. This muck if not handled properly could have
adversely affected the natural resources. In this project the excavated
material has been disposed off in ten designated dumping sites. About 22 lacs
cubic mertre of muck have been re-utilised for various purposes in the project
area such as construction of playgrounds, roads and benches etc. The
restoration of the dumping sites is very important in order to maintain the
ecological balance and to protect the environment of the area. All the dug out
material has been displaced in dumping areas on natural angle of repose. The
toe of the dumped muck has been protected by constructing wire crates at
required locations so that the dumped muck may not flow to the river and Nallah
etc. After completion of the excavation work, dumping sites have being
restored/reclaimed.
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| Reutilized Muck for play ground |
Rehabilitated Muck disposal Site |
Catchment Area Treatment
The catchment area treatment has been envisaged to ensure that the sediment
load do not increase due to construction and operation of the project and the
reservoir life remains at least to the extent envisaged in the design. The
deposited material on the dam is being periodically flushed out and suspended
silt particles are being arrested in desilting chambers and are being flushed
out into the river through a silt flushing tunnel. SJVN has got prepared a CAT
Plan amounting to Rs. 29.57 crores for NJHEP which has been approved by the
Govt. of HP and Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India and is
under implementation through HP State Forest Deptt. So far 6.50 crores have
been released for this work so far. Regular physical inspections are also being
carried out. This work will continue for ten years w.e.f. 2002-03.
Wild Life Conservation
The animals in this area are mainly musk deer, snow leopard, koklash ,
khalij, monal, Ibex, Ghoral etc which have high economic value. It was
important to prevent the external threats to the flora and fauna of this
Sanctuary. SJVNL has kept sufficient provision under CAT Plan for protection
measures of the Sanctuary which includes strategies ranging from active
patrolling, implementation of education and awareness programmes which can lead
to participatory method of protection.
Sustenance of Fisheries
SJVNL has proposed supplementary stocking programme as this is most
appropriate. To achieve this objectives, facilities to produce seeds of snow
trout, rainbow trout and brown trout, are being created at Sangla (District
Kinnaur). The medium size flow through system hatchery and rearing units are
being developed to raise fingerlings/yearlings and brood stock. Since cold
water fish is eminable to egg and artificial fertilization, raising of required
number of seeds may not cause much problem. It is also proposed to introduce a
new variety of trout viz. lake trout (Salvelinus mamaycush) from Europeon
countries. SJVNL has earmarked Rs. 1.60 crores for creating the necessary
infrastructural facilities for production of stockings and brood stock through
HP State Fisheries Department. So far Rs. 75 lacs have been released for this
work and 38 lacs have been spent till date.
Control of Water Quality and Water Borne Disease
The increase in the water fringe area provides suitable habitats for the
growth vectors of various diseases specially malaria, diarrhea and jaundice
etc. increases the possibility of communication of water borne diseases.
Efforts have been taken by SJVNL to control the water borne disease in the area
by supplying potable water to residents through treatment processes . In order
to prevent water borne diseases with in the SJVN residential complex proper
water treatment plant has been provided to ensure good quality potable water to
the residents. This treatment is being carried out through 1.6 MLD capacity
water treatment plant at project area.
Medical Infrastructure Development
As a part of infrastructural development, SJVNL has developed a 20
bedded project hospital at Jhakri and dispensaries at Jeori and Nathpa. . Free
medical facilities is also being provided to all the local villagers of the
project vicinity. Adequate vaccination and immunization facilities are also
being provided for workers as well as to the local people free of cost in
project hospital. In addition, SJVNL has also financed Rs. 8.00 crores for 200
bedded State Govt. hospital at Rampur. This hospital has a separate malaria
control cell. This hospital is feeding to Rampur Tehsil, Ani Tehsil & Distt.
Kinnaur and is providing a good medical facility to the area.
Rehabilitation and Resettlement of the Displaced/Project Affected Families
SJVN has also adopted R&R Plan for rehabilitation of the displaced and
project affected families. Cash compensation has been given to the displaced/
project affected families (PAFs). In addition to above project affected
families are being/has been provided employment, built up house, land,
transportation facilities to the new rehabilitation area, infrastructural
facilities and community services under R&R Plan.
Providing employment, agricultural land and built up house or cash in lieu
of built up house
Under the provision of the plan the landless families are being provided
employment, land and built up house or cash in lieu of built up house. So far
61 nos. of families have been provided employment, 41 nos. of families have
been provided agricultural land, 18 nos. families have been provided built up
house, 43 nos. of families have been provided cash assistance for construction
of houses and 3 nos. of families have been provided shops in shopping complex,
Jhakri and
Mobile Health Van
SJVNL has also launched a Mobile Health Van during January 2000 which is
regularly visiting four days a week in project affected villages of district
Shimla and district Kinnaur. Free medical facility including medicines is being
provided through this mobile health Van. A qualified doctor is always
accompanying the van who is also educating the local people for prevention from
diseases like malaria, diarrhea and jaundice etc. A large number of villagers
are being benefited by this mobile health van.
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| Free Medical Facilities through Mobile
Health Van |
A view of Rehabilitation Colony |
Veterinary and Horticulture Camps
Further SJVNL is also organizing veterinary and horticulture camps in the
villages. The objective of veterinary camps are familiarizing the local people
with the technical know how of the breeds /health/common diseases of their pet
animals through expert veterinary doctors. The objective of horticulture camps
are familiarizing the local people with the technical know how of high crop
production, prevention of common diseases of plants etc. To encourage the
people for more participation in such camps, SJVNL is also distributing free
gifts like sickles, pruners, multivitamin feed etc. for their pets.
Income Generation Scheme
The income generation scheme has been introduced for the affected
families from whom land has been acquired but not provided employment by SJVNL.
Financial assistance up to Rs. 20,000/- are provided to such families to start
small business such as running provisional shop, dairying, sweater knitting,
poultry, piggery etc. So far 47 nos. affected families have been provided
financial assistance under this income generation scheme.
Concern for Environment for the future projects
SJVN is proactive for is commitment for environment. This can be judged with
the fact that Environment Impact Assessment studies for future project like
Luhri HEP, Khab HEP in Himachal Pradesh and Devsari, Naitwar Mori & Jakhol
Sankri in Uttranchal has been awarded even before actual work of construction
to start. Environment Clearance of our 41 MW Rampur HEP has been received and
work has started. To improve environment issues have awarded following studies:
- Managed River Flow.
- Cumulative Impact Assessment of river Satluj in view of hydro
development in the Satluj Basin.
- Terrestrial Bio-diversity.
- Social Assessment.
The efforts are also on for opting of carbon trading for which proposals are
in the final stages for our future projects.
Conclusions
SJNN’s Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project has been executed
through world’s most advanced technology and equipments. During its execution
the concentration of the SJVNL was not only limited to the construction of this
most tedious project of the country but the Corporation was also concerned
about the protection of environment and to keep the ecological balance of the
area. The steps taken for the protection of environment by SJVNL and the
afforestation/protection works got executed through State Forest Department has
shown excellent results. Further the works identified under CAT plan which are
under execution through Forest Deptt. may take a few more years for completion.
All these will go a long way towards achieving sustainable development in the
region and for implementing the eco system, bio diversity, water resources
system of this youngest fragile Himalayan range. SJVN’s committed efforts and
concerns for Environment Management of Himalayan Eco System as whole with
sustainable development keeping in pace with development of nation as a whole
is a positive step in right direction of development.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
GREENTECH SILVER AWARD
SJVN has received the Greentech Silver Award for Environmental Excellence in
Hydro Sector in appreciation of Environmental Management Activities for 1500 MW
NJHEP by Greentech Foundation, New Delhi at Goa on 22nd October, 2005.
GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARD
SJVN has received the Golden Peacock Eco-Innovation Award-2004 at World
Environment Congress – Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) for its activity of
Reclamation and Re-utilization of Muck Disposal site under Environment
Management Plan of NJHEP, from the World Environment Foundation, New Delhi on
June 11, 2004.
GREENTECH SILVER AWARD
SJVN has received “Greentech Silver Award for Environment Excellence” at
Hyderabad on June 4-6, 2004 from the Greentech Foundation.
ENVIRONMENT GOLD AWARD
SJVN has also received “Excellence Environment & Ecological
Implementation Gold Award ” by Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial International Green
Land Society - Hyderabad in May, 2005.
GREENTECH SILVER AWARD
SJVN has received “Greentech Silver Award for Environment Excellence” at
Goa on 31st August 2006 and 28 August 2007 from the Greentech Foundation.
ISO 14001 -EMS
Our NJHEP has been awarded ISO 14001 – EMS by Bureau of Indian
Standard in July 2006.
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