Context: The Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted initial approval for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the 1000 MW Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Project in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location of Western Ghats and Nilgiri Biosphere; EIA; Pumped Storage Hydropower Project.
Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Hydropower Project
- Location: Near Upper Bhavani dam and Avalanche-Emerald reservoirs, within 1 km of Mukurthi National Park.
- The pumped hydropower project aims to harness the waters of the Upper Bhavani Dam and Avalanche-Emerald reservoirs in the Nilgiris to generate 1000 MW of power.
- Developer: NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Ltd.
- Concerns: The area is part of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. These hills host unique ecosystems like the Shola forests and are home to several rare and endangered species.
- The expert panel had earlier raised concerns due to the region’s ecological sensitivity. However, the developers submitted a revised layout and proposed that major infrastructure components including the water conductor system will be constructed underground to minimise ecological impact. Additionally, the revised layout avoids the highly sensitive Shola forest areas and does not involve displacement of local communities. Based on these changes, the EAC granted Terms of Reference (ToR) for conducting the EIA study.
What is the Pumped Storage Hydropower Project ?
- Pumped storage plants use the principle of gravity to generate electricity using water that has been previously pumped from a lower source to an upper reservoir.
- Operation of pumped storage power plants requires two reservoirs viz. upper and lower reservoir. Water in the upper reservoir is used for generating power during peak demand hours. The water in the lower reservoir is pumped back to the upper reservoir during the off-peak hours and the cycle continues.
- Energy storage capacity of a pumped hydro facility depends on the size of its two reservoirs and the head between reservoirs, while the amount of power generated is linked to the size of the turbine.
- Central and state governments have promoted pumped hydropower projects as part of India’s plans to achieve its non-fossil fuel energy targets.
Bhavani River:
- Bhavani is an interstate Indian river which flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- It originates in the Western Ghats from the Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu. It enters the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and re-enters Tamil Nadu.
- Bhavani is one of the main tributaries of the Cauvery River. It travels for 216 km and joins the Cauvery from the right bank at the Kooduthurai holy site, Tamil Nadu.
- Upper Bhavani dam is located in the Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu.
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA):
- EIA is a tool used to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it is given clearance to proceed.
- It aims to predict environmental impacts, find ways to reduce adverse effects, and help decision-makers choose environmentally sustainable options.
- If a project fails the EIA process, it is denied environmental clearance and cannot proceed further unless revised and approved.
- Governed under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- EIA Notification 2006 outlines the procedure, including public hearings
Now the developers must conduct a comprehensive EIA study, organise a public hearing to gather feedback from affected communities, submit the final report to the EAC and facilitate a site visit by a MoEFCC subcommittee. Based on the findings, the final environmental clearance will be considered.