According to a press release issued by Himachal PR department, the state government has issued a show cause notice to the 192 MW Allian Dhuhangan Hydro-Electric Project being constructed in Kullu district for the violation Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
An agreement for the construction of this project was signed in the year 1993 whereas an implementation agreement was signed in the year 2001 and a quadripartite agreement with certain terms and conditions was signed between the government of Himachal Pradesh and the project promoters on 5th November, 2005.
As per the agreement the company has to manage the various types of environmental norms which include pollutants/waste generated in the form of debris/muck, generation of dust due to excavation, damaged to the forest land, trees and plants and to adopt suitable environmental management practices so as to ensure that such pollutants are managed without any harm to the terrestrial and aquatic life. It has been brought to the notice of the government that the company has carried out construction activities without taking adequate steps for protection of environment.
The state government had constituted committee in the month of March to conduct enquiry into the environmental damages caused by the company in the project area and its surroundings. The committee has submitted its report on 19th April, 2007 and the findings of the committee has highlighted that the company has failed to comply with the directions given by the various agencies viz. Department of Forests & State Pollution Control Board. The company has violated the provision of the Environment (Protection) Act and on the recommendations of the committee the state government has issued a show cause notice and asked to explain within 15 days failing which an appropriate action including stoppage of construction work on entire Dhuhangan site would be initiated under section 5 and section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
