New Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) in Himalayas

Why in news?

• According to an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, as part of an ongoing case on the feasibility of hydroelectric projects (HEP) in the aftermath of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, seven projects have been allowed to complete construction primarily on the grounds that they were over “50% complete.”

About the seven projects

• Tapovan Vishnugadh:
  • It is a 520 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project being constructed on Dhauliganga River  in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.
  • The dam, whilst still being under construction, was severely damaged on 7th February 2021 due to a flash flood caused by the Uttarakhand glacier burst
• Tehri Dam - Stage 2:
  • The Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India.
  • It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand. Stage 1 of the project was completed in 2006
• Vishnugadh Pipalkoti:
  • It is located in river Alaknanda, a major tributary of Ganga, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
• Singoli Bhatwari and Phata Bhuyang:
  • These HEPs are located in Mandakini river, a major tributary of Ganga
• Madhyamaheshwar:
  • It is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on the river Madhyamaheshwar Ganga
• Kaliganga 2:
  • This HEP is constructed in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag District, on the river Kaliganga

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following pairs:

Hydroelectric Projects : River

1. Tapovan Vishnugadh      : Kaliganga

2. Tehri                                  : Bhagirathi

3. Phata Bhuyang                : Damodar

Which of the pairs given above is /are correct?

(a) 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer