Why in news?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a complaint alleging that blasting and construction activities for the Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project are dumping muck into the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh. The Tribunal has scheduled a hearing to examine the environmental concerns raised by the petitioner.
Background
The Sunni Dam project is a 382 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric scheme being built on the Sutlej River between Shimla and Mandi districts in Himachal Pradesh. Executed by SJVN Limited (a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh), the project received investment approval in January 2023 with an estimated cost of ₹2,614 crore. Construction began in 2023 and includes a concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse. On commissioning, the project is expected to generate about 1,382 million units of electricity annually and provide 13 percent of the power free of cost to the state government.
Key points
- NGT concern: A letter petition alleged that debris from blasting at the dam site was being dumped into the Sutlej River, risking pollution and habitat loss. The NGT bench led by Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi has asked the petitioner to provide evidence and scheduled a hearing on 18 December 2025.
- Project features: The Sunni Dam is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme, minimizing reservoir size and displacement. It will have six turbine units (four 73 MW main units and two auxiliary units) housed in an underground powerhouse. The project includes a 113-metre double-lane steel truss bridge and approach roads to facilitate construction.
- Socio-economic benefits: The project aims to generate employment for around 4,000 persons during peak construction. It will supply affordable electricity to Himachal Pradesh and adjoining states, help meet rising energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Free power allocated to the state includes 1 percent earmarked for local area development.
- Environmental safeguards: Being a run-of-the-river project, it is considered less disruptive than large storage dams. Nevertheless, careful management of excavation waste, sediment control and mitigation of blasting impacts are essential to protect the river ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Sunni Dam project promises clean energy and regional development, but allegations of environmental negligence underscore the need for strict monitoring. Effective waste management and transparent compliance with environmental regulations will be crucial as the project moves forward.
Sources: The Tribune; PIB; Hill Post.