{DUU-53} Supreme Court Ask Comprehensive Report on R/R within 4 weeks14-1-2010

Supreme Court Ask Comprehensive Report on R/R within 4 weeks

Project Name: Tehri Dam HEP (1000 MW)

Rivers: Bhagirathi & Bhilangna

Agency: Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC)

Environmental Clearance granted on 19-7-1990

Dam Commission-2006

Tehri Dam case in Supreme Court:- N. D. Jayal & another vs. Union of India & Others

The Tehri Dam case, which Supreme Court is monitoring came up for hearing today before a bench presided over by the Hon’ble Chief Justice, Justice B. S. Chauhan and Justice Deepak Verma.

The Supreme Court is considering rehabilitation of affected persons and other issues after the Nainital High Court allowed closing of the diversion tunnels on 29^th October 2005 causing submergence of Tehri town and villages around.

Mr. Sanjay Parikh, Advocate for the petitioners pointed out that, due to filling of the water in the reservoir, the villages around it are sinking. The Geological Survey of India in its report has mentioned about this phenomenon. The State of Uttarakhand as well as the THDC admitted in their affidavits that the villages Raulkota, Nakot and Sanyasu are seriously affected and need immediate rehabilitation. The other affected villages, after survey may also need rehabilitation. He pointed out the newspaper reports where it was reported that 18 villages are affected and need rehabilitation. But, except stating in the affidavit for nearly two years, no action has been taken by the State Government/THDC. Mr. Parikh also submitted that due to change in survey line Full Reservoir Level, 118 families in 45 villages are affected but in spite of admitting this fact, they are not granted relief of R&R.

He also submitted that the process of redresal of grievances is very tardy and slow. The Supreme Court noted that the State Government/THDC has not complied with the orders dated 25.9.08 and 30.4.09. They were directed to file status report on all the issues pertaining to rehabilitation.

The Counsel appearing for the State of Uttarakhand submitted that he will file a comprehensive status report wherein all the points indicated by Mr. Parikh will be included. The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing for 4 weeks to enable the State of Uttarakhand to file the comprehensive status report.

Vimalbhai