NDC seeks Unesco intervention in pumped hydro storage project

Udhagamandalam: The Nilgiris Documentation Centre (NDC) has sought the intervention of the regional head of Unesco, New Delhi, and the director and member secretary of Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee, New Delhi, to investigate the proposed Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in the Nilgiris on a priority basis and take up violations of the biosphere norms and conditions, if any, with the officials or institutions concerned.
According to the NDC, the proposed sites fall in the core zone of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, where activities such as hydroelectric projects are prohibited.
In its communication, the NDC said the project was a threat to the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, which was the first and foremost biosphere reserve in India. Created in 1986, the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve is located at the critical junction covering three south Indian states in the western ghats, a Unesco world heritage site.
The NDC pointed out that the Nilgiris district, being the topmost tourist destination in the country, was the most advanced area of the biosphere. "This tiny district contributes around 850MW of hydroelectricity to the state through 14 dams, which are mostly located within the biosphere reserve. It has long been agreed that the Nilgiris has saturated its hydro power capacity."
While there were proposals since 2007 to set up more pumped storage projects in the Nilgiris, the NDC said no serious attempt was, however, made to launch any such project. "Now, suddenly, there is a rush to proceed with a 1000MW Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in two stages in the Kundah ranges on the south-western part of the Nilgiris. More projects are proposed in the western parts, mostly in protected areas, amidst huge public protests," the NDC said and urged the authorities to investigate the matter.