(a) whether mushrooming hydel power projects on the rivers Bhagirathi
and Alaknanda were causing damage to the hills besides increasing possibility
of flash floods that could lead to huge loss of lives;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any specific measures are planned to cope with flood risks as
mountains provide large amounts of water from melting snow and glaciers;
and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the necessary steps taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF POWER
( SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA )
(a) & (b) : No, Madam. There is no evidence that hydro power projects on
the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda have caused damage to the hills /
increased possibility of flash floods.
(c) & (d) :Hydro-electric projects are planned after hydrological analysis
which is based on the past observed / estimated run-off including water from
melting snow and glaciers. The hydro-electric projects are accordingly so
designed so as to be able to pass Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) which, inter-
alia, includes water from melting snow and glaciers.