The managing director of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) would be liable and would be dealt with in accordance with the law in case of default in the 444 MW capacity Vishnugad-Peepalkoti hydro electric project. This was stated recently by the National Green Tribunal while hearing on a case of Vimal Bhai versus Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Government of Uttarakhand. According to the appellant Vimal Bhai, the case of Vishnugad-Peepalkoti power project on the Alaknanda river is in the National Green Tribunal regarding the alleged environmental violations by the authorities dumping construction debris directly into the river. He said, “The case was heard by the principal bench of NGT in New Delhi few days ago on May 13 with the tribunal stating in its order that ‘we make it clear that in the event of default, the MD of the corporation would be liable and would be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said. With the respondents seeking time to file their reply, the tribunal gave them two-week period starting from May 13 to submit the reply. The next hearing has been set on July 13. The appellant further informed that in its order, the NGT has directed THDC to observe restrain and desist from dumping any building material or muck into the river Alaknanda or on the banks thereof. “The case was filed on grounds of Alaknanda river being polluted due to dumping of the debris resulting from the construction of the road near the Vishnugad-Peepalkoti project site. THDC is bound to comply with Environmental Clearance conditions stipulated in letter dated 22-8-2007. They are also bound to comply with Environment Management Plan provided in Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment for Vishnugad-Peepalkoti Hydro Electric Power Project, as it was the basis of obtaining Environmental Clearance of the project. Such illegal dumping is also endangering the lives and properties especially of the people living downstream area of the river. The hydrology and aquatic life of Alaknanda is getting disturbed due to dumping of the construction debris directly into the river and irreparable damage is being caused to the river. There is an emerging need to restore the Alaknanda river into its original form after it was badly hit by the floods of 2013. Such aspects seen in the project implementation also exposed the claims of World Bank’s ‘best safeguard policy for rehabilitation and environment’ for the Vishnugad-Peepalkoti project,” added Vimal Bhai.