Electricity project was investigated even before the flood tragedy

The Manuni-2-hydroelectric power project under construction in Dharamshala, which is the center of the recent flood disaster, was already under official investigation before the tragedy that took place earlier this week. The magistrate’s investigation conducted in May this year has unveiled several environmental and regulatory offenses associated with the project. In the report presented on May 30 this year, Dharamshala’s subdivision Magistrate (SDM) Mohit Ratan prepared several unauthorized activities by managing the project. The extreme disregard for environmental norms established in the findings was pointed out and the serious consequences of the operation of the project on local infrastructure and public health. The report also expressed serious concerns about extensive mining, stone breaking activities, pollution in Manuni drain, etc., which may have contributed to the extent and influence of disasters. The investigation began after the formal complaint was located by the Panchayat of SAUKANI DA KOT VILLAGE near the Power Project. The complaint has exposed the long-standing issues regarding illegal mining and water infrastructure erosion. The district magistrate noted a magistrate’s investigation. The SDM report confirmed that the project was running two stone breakers without any valid permission – one to extract sand and the other to make 40 mm gravel. Although management claimed that the breaker was on “trial run”, the land inspection revealed that regular, ongoing operation occurred. The sand was extracted directly from the Manuni drain (Khud), on which large illegal dumping of sand and gravel was built on the edges, which led to serious ecological and legal problems. Share this story -tags