SRINAGAR, May 31:Minister for Forests and Environment Ch. Lal Singh replying to a question of Mohammad Muzaffar Parray informed that the government is taking appropriate measures to mitigate negative impacts of Hydel Power Projects on environment and conservation of Wildlife, Biodiversity, Forest and surroundings of Hydro-power projects.
The Minister informed that Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study was carried out to identify impacts of Kishanganga Hydel project in Gurez on environmental and social aspects. Accordingly, he said, Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) were prepared.
The Minister informed that on EIA/EMP reports, environmental clearance was accorded to Kishanganga project by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate change.
Ch. Lal Singh informed that for conservation of biodiversity around the project area, Catchment Area Treatment plant (CAT) is being implemented through J&K State forest department at a cost of Rs 10.24 crore. Biodiversity conservation plan with a financial implication of Rs 1.02 crore through J&K Wildlife Protection department is also being implemented, he added.
The Minister informed that Fishery Management Plan at a cost of Rs 6.30 crore is also being implemented. He further informed that for developing green belt around the project and reservoir to control soil erosion and improve the aesthetics of the area at a cost of Rs 59 Lakh will also be taken up.
Referring to release of water from the project, Ch. Lal Singh said that the Kishanganga project is a run off the river scheme and appropriate measures are being taken up by means of providing protection walls along the banks of Bonar Nallah, to which water will be released after commissioning of the project. No negative impact is anticipated from the release of water from the project, he added.
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