Environmental Concerns Rise Over Hydroelectric Project in Odisha: Calls for Investigation
Koraput, Odisha: A hydroelectric project by Shravani Energy Private Limited, currently under construction near Dumajhodi in the Kotpad block, has raised serious environmental and regulatory concerns. The project, which aims to generate 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity and supply it to Odisha through the Shashahandi grid in Borigumma block, has sparked controversy over alleged violations of environmental policies and government regulations.
Violation of Forest and Land Regulations
Despite the project’s reliance on a 35-kilometer transmission line using H-poles, there is no official permission from the Forest Department. The transmission route passes through protected forest areas, including Dumajhodi (Kotpad block), Kashiguda (Kundura block), and Bankitiguda (Borigumma block). The company has claimed that only four electric poles fall within forest land, but concerns have emerged regarding the feasibility of covering a 1.15 km stretch of forest land (amounting to 2.155 hectares) with such minimal infrastructure. Additionally, the company has not submitted a land diversion application, raising suspicions about the legality of its operations.
Allegations of Illegal Activities and Government Inaction
Local sources allege that Shravani Energy Private Limited has engaged in unauthorized activities, including electric fishing, by offering substantial bribes to officials from the Forest and Revenue Departments. Despite prior reports of environmental violations to the Odisha government’s Forest and Environment Department in 2021, no significant action has been taken. Orders from the department’s secretary for an investigation by the Jaipur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) have reportedly been ignored.
Environmental Devastation and Risk to Tourism
The project, located on the Kolab River near the scenic Gulmi Waterfall, has resulted in extensive deforestation and ecological damage. Seven gates, each 12 meters high, are being constructed to regulate water flow, which experts warn could severely impact the river’s ecosystem. Local residents fear that the river’s transformation will lead to drought-like conditions, endangering nearby waterfalls and the region’s tourism potential.
Additionally, construction activities have led to the destruction of multiple hills, with excavation for a 400-meter-long canal cutting through elevations as high as 20 meters. Large-scale blasting has also been reported, causing significant environmental degradation. The removal of stones meant for flood control has further destabilized the riverbanks, increasing the risk of soil erosion and landslides.
Regulatory Breaches and Demand for High-Level Investigation
Originally, the state government approved a 4-meter-high gate under a Run-of-River scheme, ensuring minimal disruption to water flow. However, the construction company has allegedly violated this agreement by building a 12-meter-high structure, with the approval of the Forest Department’s DFO. Such deviations from the agreed-upon plan have shocked environmentalists and local communities.
With an annual electricity generation target of 54.25 million units, concerns have been raised about the long-term impact on the riverbed and surrounding villages. Experts predict that Dumajhodi, Kashiguda, and the Gulmi waterfall area will face severe drought in the near future.
In light of these developments, environmentalists, activists, and local communities are demanding an immediate high-level investigation into the project. They are calling for strict action against the company for its alleged environmental violations, regulatory breaches, and encroachments on protected forest land.
The situation continues to escalate as authorities remain under pressure to intervene and address the growing concerns over the region’s ecological and economic future.
Chandra Bhanu Singh
Bureau chief Southern Odisha
