Shimla, March 18 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken serious cognisance of alleged irregularities in the construction of the 20-megawatt Rora Khadd Hydroelectric Project in Yula village of Kinnaur district, registering the matter as a Public Interest Litigation.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi issued notices to the State government and other concerned parties, seeking their response on the issue.
The court took suo motu cognisance based on media reports highlighting concerns raised by residents of Yula village. Locals have alleged large-scale negligence in the execution of the project, particularly objecting to indiscriminate blasting and the unscientific dumping of debris.
The court has directed the authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing construction activities at the project site. Officials have been asked to examine adherence to prescribed safety standards, assess the present status of the project, and submit a detailed status report before the next date of hearing.
According to the villagers, such practices have not only endangered the fragile ecology of the region but have also posed a serious threat to nearby habitations. A vedio of the project went viral recently dumping the muck in the river directly. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on May 4.
The petition underscores growing public concern over the environmental and safety implications of hydropower projects in ecologically sensitive areas of the state.
