SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has issued notices to the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir government and other authorities on a petition alleging environmental violations and damage linked to construction activities at the 540-MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar.
The notices have been issued in Original Application No. 348/2026 filed by Guddu Kumar and Sanjay Kumar on behalf of residents of Halqa Panchayat Padyarna in Nagseni block of Kishtwar.
The respondents include the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Central Pollution Control Board, J&K Pollution Control Committee, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and Managing Director of Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CVPPL).
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 30, 2026, when the respondents have been asked to appear and submit their responses.
The applicants have raised concerns over alleged environmental degradation in the project area following a recent landslide and reports of cracks in land, residential houses and other structures. They have also expressed apprehension over the safety of residents, property and livestock.
During the hearing, Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah, appearing for the applicants, alleged that construction activities related to the project were being carried out in violation of environmental norms. He also alleged that muck was being dumped on slopes, with potential implications for the Chenab River and its basin.
The Tribunal, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, took note of the submissions and observed that the application raised substantial issues concerning compliance with environmental norms. It also noted that photographs had been placed on record in support of the allegations.
The applicants further alleged that continuous blasting in the project area had caused vibrations, resulting in cracks and structural damage to houses in nearby areas, including Sumna Bhatta, Pullar and Padyarna. They claimed that the alleged damage to walls and foundations posed a safety concern for residents.
They also alleged that stone crushers, heavy vehicular movement and other construction activities were contributing to excessive dust in the surrounding areas.
According to the application, the petitioners had approached the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, through a representation dated May 5, 2025, alleging illegal blasting and unauthorised stone crushing in connection with the project. A reminder was submitted on July 9, 2025.
The petitioners submitted that following the reminder, the Deputy Commissioner’s office directed CVPPL to submit a detailed report within three days. They alleged that no effective remedial action followed, leading them to approach the NGT.
The applicants also referred to Clause 5 of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Management Plan for District Kishtwar, claiming that the document had identified a high level of GLOF risk in connection with the construction of the dam.
After considering the submissions, the Tribunal directed issuance of notices to the concerned authorities and CVPPL and listed the matter for further hearing on November 30.
The allegations and observations at this stage are based on the issues raised in the application. The respondents are yet to place their respective responses on record before the Tribunal.
