Home / Environment / River Ecology Damaged: Firm Liable for Full Restoration Costs
River Ecology Damaged: Firm Liable for Full Restoration Costs
2 Mar
Summary
- MEIL must pay for full restoration of Chenab river ecology.
- Illegal dumping of debris occurred during hydroelectric project construction.
- NGT formed expert committee to assess restoration costs.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) to bear the entire cost of restoring the Chenab River's downstream ecology. This directive stems from violations discovered during the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project construction in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.
An expert committee, to be formed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), will determine the restoration expenses within three months. The NGT's decision, based on site visits and official reports, highlighted illegal dumping of construction debris into the river.
MEIL is also encouraged to collaborate with the state's Forest Department on developing a biodiversity park using excavated muck, inspired by a similar project. Quarterly reports with video evidence will be submitted to the NGT. The Environment Ministry and J&K Pollution Control Committee are pursuing separate penal actions for environmental clearance breaches.
The tribunal's examination was prompted by a November 2023 petition alleging MEIL’s non-compliance with designated muck disposal zones. The petition warned of severe monsoon flooding risks for Thathri town due to the dumping.
