No threat to residents from Uri-I stage-II tunnel work, clarifies NHPC

Amid concerns raised on social media over the safety of the Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project, NHPC has issued a detailed clarification asserting that all construction activities are being carried out with requisite statutory approvals and stringent safety measures. The public sector power giant said the project’s tunnel alignment and controlled blasting techniques have been designed to ensure complete safety of local residents and infrastructure.

General Manager (Civil), Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project of NHPC Limited, has issued a rebuttal to concerns being circulated on various social media platforms regarding the safety of construction activities associated with the Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project.

In a communication, NHPC clarified that the project has secured all major statutory clearances, including environmental, forest, defence and other requisite approvals, besides obtaining no-objection certificates from the concerned ministries and departments.

The GM stated that the proposed tunnel is located approximately 400 metres inside the mountain cover, with an additional lateral cover ranging between 300 and 500 metres, thereby ensuring the safety of the construction activities.

It was further informed that any blasting required for project execution will be carried out through controlled methods under the supervision of experts from NHPC and government-approved national-level technical institutions.

Describing the project as one of national importance, NHPC emphasized that the safety and security of local residents and establishments had been accorded due consideration during the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The organization reiterated its commitment to adhering to all prescribed safety standards and regulatory requirements during the execution of the project.