Press Note- 30-6-2013

The Alaknandaganga  has cleared it's path:
Vishnupyrag HEP (400 MW) collapsed

(see photos after the new)

In the recent flood in Alaknandaganga (near Badrinath Temple). When the waters rose, dam authorities failed to open all the gates of the dam. Due to this, a 2 K.M. long reservoir was formed upstream of the dam. Pressure from the water broke the dam and went on to wipe out the Lambagad Village market.

Some shops in the Lambagadh market were already washed away when water was released unannounced from the dam in 2012. When villagers asked for compensation from dam authorities, dam authorities threatened to file police cases against them.

This year, water from the upper reaches of Alaknandaganga came unannounced and demolished the Vishnupyrag HEP.

This was the first dam to be built under a Private Public Partnership on the Alaknandaganga. This dam has also destroyed Vishunupryag, the confluence of the Dhouliganga and Alaknandaganga. 

We have news that Dams on Mandakini River such as Phata-Buyong HEP and Singoli-Bhatwari HEP badly damaged. Small dams on Madhaymaheshwer and Kali river are also badly damaged. These small dams were funded by Asian Development Bank.

The construction of all these HEPs are responsible for big Damage in the whole Gangavalley.

This incident once again strengthens our argument that the Himalayas cannot support big HEPs or other big structures. The government and planners must understand the floods as an indication from nature and stop the madness of HEPs.

              Vimalbhai      and       Briharshraj Tadiyal

Earlier view of Vishnupryag HEP (400MW), View from downstream 5 June, 2008

Earlier view of Vishnupryag HEP (400MW), View from upstream 20 February, 2012

Destroyed Vishnupryag HEP (400MW), View from the downstream 26 June, 2013

Destroyed Vishnupryag HEP (400MW), View from the upstream 26 June, 2013

Destroyed Vishnupryag HEP (400MW), Alaknandaganga flowing on the left side, made new path for herself. View from the downstream of the dam. 26 June, 2013

Destroyed J. P. company  Vishnupryag HEP (400MW) dam compound, View from the downstream taken on 26 June, 2013