Gyspa hydroelectric power project gets environmental clearance

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has accorded environmental clearance for pre-construction activities to the proposed 300 MW Gyspa hydroelectric power project.

It has also prescribed detailed Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environment Management Plan studies to the developer Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.

The EIA/EMP reports will now be now be prepared in accordance with the terms laid down by the committee. According to EAC's directive, the proposed study should incorporate aspects such as information on the flow regime, river morphology, soil characteristics of project area, apart from likely impact on human activities and livelihood.

It states that the base line studies should be carried out for 3 seasons - pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon.
It should also include biological, geological and geophysical aspects that may change the construction of the proposed project.

Pertinently, HPPCL plans to develop this project with the construction of a rockfill storage dam across Bhaga river, a tributary of the river Chenab, near Gyspa village in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. The underground powerhouse is due to be located about 18 km downstream and the water will be fed through a 11.75 km long head race tunnel.