NTPC’s hydel project not linked to ‘sinking’ Joshimath, says PowerMin
As the crisis worsens in Joshimath, with residents being relocated in the aftermath of rapid land subsidence, claims and counterclaims are flying thick and fast.
Two key infrastructure projects are being blamed for the havoc in Joshimath — NTPC Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Electric Project (HEP) and the Char Dham national highway project. The Union power ministry has come out in support of its wholly owned power generator NTPC, backing its claim that the hydropower project had no role in the land subsidence.
In a letter to the chief secretary of Uttarakhand, Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar said the land subsidence in Joshimath was a very old issue, dating back to 1976, and the construction of the 4×130 megawatt Tapovan Vishnugad HEP started only in 2006 by NTPC.
