Press Note 13-1-2014

NOTICE ISSUE BY NGT: COMPENSATE THE LOSS TO SRINAGAR HOUSEHOLD

Notice issued to Alaknanda Hydropower Co. Ltd., Central Ministry of Environment and Forests and Uttarakhand State Government by National Green Tribunal on 9^th January, 2014. (NGT order is attached)

On 2^nd January, 2014, Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti through its Vice president Shri Premballabh Kala and Vimal Bhai, Convenor, Matu Jansangthan filed a case in NGT for the compensation of damage caused due to Srinagar Hydro Electric Project. Applicants seeking restoration, damage and com National Green Tribunal pensation against the project proponent of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project (330 MW) who are responsible largely for the devastation caused to the Shaktibihar, Lower Bhaktiana, Chauhan Mohalla, Gas Godown, Food Godown, SSB, ITI, Resham Farm, Roadways Bus Stand, Nursery Road, Alkeshwar Temple, Gram Sabha Ufalda’s Fatehpur reti, Sriyantra Island Resort, and other places including Governmental / Quasi-Governmental/Personal and public property of Srinagar in Pauri district of Uttarakhand.

Counsel Rahul Choudhary on behalf of applicants argued that the project proponent has dumped large quantity of muck generated from the construction of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project just beside the gates of the dam on the river bed of Alaknanda. On 16^th & 17.06.2013 because of the heavy rain and floods the water was filled in the reservoir of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project and the project proponent kept the gates of the dam close which led to accumulation of water and creating huge reservoir. The project proponent then opened the gate which resulted in massive flow of water suddenly which also swept away the muck dump on the river bed and all the muck then along with the water reached the villagers and filled up the house and various other areas and contributed in large scale to the damaged. The project proponent has not even constructed retention wall which resulted in further damage because of the dam. After listening the counsel the bench of five members issued the notice to all the respondents. Next hearing is scheduled on 6^th February.

It is well known that after 6 months of June 2013 calamity, there has been no inquiry set up by the state or central government. We have been trying to file a FIR but local district police official have always refused to do so. Not even a single dam supporter including local MPs and MLAs cared to reach people through any means. It is very much clear that the dam supporters are supporting dams not for the welfare of people but for their own personal interest.

After the June calamity, 2013 Mat Jansangathan had done the ground survey and it can be safely deduced that underconsturction and working dams raised the quantum of the calamity. We raised this issues with the masses thtough leaf letting, meetings, press confencess,etc. We sent letters to authorities, different ministries, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, MLAs and MP's but no one showed any interest in the issue. Now we entered into legal battle too. This is the first ever case filed in any court for the compensations for the loss of people's assets.

We will use all means under the Constitution of India to take our rights.

Puran Singh Rana

(Matu Jansangthan)

Chndra Mohan Bhatt Vijay Laxmi Ratudi

(Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti)
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NGT ORDER

http://www.greentribunal.gov.in/date-wise-order.php

BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL,

PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI

M.A. NO. 7 OF 2014 & M.A. NO. 8 OF 2014

IN

Original Application No. 3 of 2014

Srinagar Bandh Aapda Sangharsh Samiti & Anr.

Vs.

Alaknanda Hydropower Co. Ltd. & Ors.

CORAM : HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SW ATANTER KUMAR, CHAIRPERSON

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE U.D. SALVI, JUDICIAL MEMBER

HON’BLE MR. DR. D.K. AGRAW AL, EXPERT MEMBER

HON’BLE MR. B.S. SAJW AN, EXPERT MEMBER

HON’BLE DR. R.C. TRIVEDI, EXPERT MEMBER

Present: Applicant: Mr. Rahul Choudhary, Advocate

Respondents: None appeared

Date and Remarks

Item No. 12 January 9, 2014

Orders of the Tribunal

We have heard the Learned counsel appearing for the Applicant.

Issue Notice to the Respondents by registered post/acknowledgement due and Dasti as well.

Notice returnable on 06th February, 2014. Notice on Misc. Applications as well.

Requisites to be filed within three days from today.

Learned counsel appearing for the Respondent 2 puts in appearance and prays for time to file the Reply.

Let the Reply be filed within two weeks from today with advance copy to the Learned counsel appearing for the Applicant who may file Rejoinder thereto, if any, within one week thereafter.

........................................,CP

(Swatanter Kumar)

........................................,JM

(U.D. Salvi)

.........................................,EM

(Dr. D.K. Agrawal)

.........................................,EM

(B.S. Sajwan)

.........................................,EM

(Dr. R.C. Trivedi)