Uttarakhand state’s Rudraprayag district villagers are protested against the setting up of a mega hydroelectric power project in the state, as it is prone to earthquakes. These villagers are skeptical about hydroelectric power projects built across River Mandakini. They are of the view that the underground rigged tunnels can have adverse effects. Rudraprayag falls under the fifth degree of seismic zone.
Villagers have forcefully halted work on the project.
“This area comes under fifth degree of seismic zone and is vulnerable to catastrophes. In the year of 1998-1999 lots of calamities happened in this area. We don”t want to face any further problems. That’’s why we have requested the Government and administration to look into this matter,” said Mayaram Semwal, a resident of Parkandi village.
River Mandakini hydro power project has not only invited the anger of locals but environmentalists as well. But the government on its part is keen to go ahead with this project.
“These villagers are protesting against the construction of our new hydroelectric project, thats why construction work has also been delayed, said Dalip Javlekar, district magistrate, Rudraprayag.
In between these developments, the Uttarakhand government is of the view that mini hydropower projects are appropriate and profitable for the region whereas the local residents are opposing this by citing the consequential seismic factors.