The Himachal Pradesh High Court has initiated proceedings after taking note of alleged irregularities in the 20 MW Rora Khadd Hydroelectric Project in Yula village, Kinnaur district, registering the case as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi has issued notices to the State government and other relevant authorities, seeking their explanation on the matter.
The court’s action comes after complaints by local residents highlighted concerns over negligence in project execution, including indiscriminate blasting and improper dumping of construction debris. Villagers warned that these practices not only threaten the fragile local ecology but also endanger nearby settlements. A video showing muck being directly dumped into a river has recently gone viral, intensifying scrutiny.
Authorities have been directed to carry out a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction, verify compliance with safety and environmental norms, assess the project’s current status, and submit a detailed report ahead of the next hearing on May 4.
The PIL reflects growing public concern regarding the environmental and safety impacts of hydropower projects in ecologically sensitive regions of Himachal Pradesh, signaling closer monitoring of such infrastructure initiatives.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
