KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

Presentation on HE Project -163 MW before Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) , – 29 th January 2011 Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Athirappilly HEP ––LocationLocation

Proposed project is located in basin in , State

Cascade Scheme with 94 % utilization of tail race discharges and spills from existing upstream reservoirs

Projects up stream  Sholayar Hydro Electric Project (54MW)  Poringalkuthu Hydro Electric Project (48MW) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

An overview

Athirappilly project KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Surge Dam

Reservoir Tunnel Dam toe Power House Power House Vertical shaft

Kannankuzhy thodu Kannankuzhy thoduKannankuzhy LONGITUDINAL SECTION Poringal dam

Charpa Poringal Power Houses Poringal Adit Reservoir Tunnel Athirappilly Reservoir

Dam toe PH To Sholayar Surge SH 21 Pokalappara Colony Dam Power House(2X80) MW

Replacement Road To Chalakudy

Athirappilly Falls Chalakudy River LAY OUT PLAN Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

• The upstream most project is Sholayar which is operation since 1966.

• The Sholayar project utilizes the water resources of Sholayar River a tributary of Chalakudy River

• The tail water of Sholayar after generation flows to downstream Poringalkuthu reservoir.

• The Poringalkuthu project is in operation for more than 50 years it is in the main river itself. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

• The tail water of Poringalkuthu discharges to Chalakudy River.

• The proposed Athirappilly HE project is located downstream of Sholayar and Poringalkuthu projects. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Location of project w.r.t falls & river diversion (weir) scheme ATHIRAPPILLY CATCHMENT AREA

KANNANKUZHI PORINGAL POWER THODU HOUSE PORINGAL TUNNEL LINE ATHIRAPPILLY RESERVOIR RESERVOIR

MAIN POWER SHOLAYAR HOUSE DAM TOE P.H SURGE RELEASE

PROPOSED PROPOSED DAM REPLACEMENT ROAD 1460* M 1460* ANAKAYAM RIVER

ATHIRAPPILLY WATER FALLS

1820* M 6070 M * 2525* M WEIR 13 Km along road * Along the river course Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Schematic Chart

348MCM from TN Sholayar & own catchment

Kerala Sholayar 54 MW

Inflow from own Spill & Tailrace catchment 348MCM

Poringalkuthu & Spill & Tailrace Athirappilly Poringalkuthu LBE 1097MCM 163MW 48 MW (Proposed) Inflow from own catchment 72MCM KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Surge Dam

Reservoir Tunnel Dam toe Power House Power House Vertical shaft

Kannankuzhy thodu Kannankuzhy thoduKannankuzhy LONGITUDINAL SECTION Poringal dam

Charpa Poringal Power Houses Poringal Adit Reservoir Tunnel Athirappilly Reservoir

Dam toe PH To Sholayar Surge SH 21 Pokalappara Colony Dam Power House(2X80) MW

Replacement Road To Chalakudy

Athirappilly Falls Chalakudy River LAY OUT PLAN Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW • The diversion structure of this project is about 3 Km downstream of tail water confluence of Poringalkuthu.

• The live storage of this impoundment is about 5.5 Million Cubic Meter.

• Water from this is diverted through an under ground water conductor system to a power house located on the left bank of Kannankuzy thodu.

• The installed capacity of this plant is 2 X 80 MW.

• The tail water of this plant releases to Chalakudy River through Kannakuzhy thodu. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

• If the entire water is diverted to the power house, a dry stretch will be formed between the diversion structure and tail race confluence at Kannankuzhy.

• MoE&F has stipulated to maintain a certain amount of flow in the river by releasing from the reservoir in order to avoid the formation of a dry stretch. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW • Utilizing this release, it is proposed to install a power station with 2 X 1.5 MW capacity to generate power in the immediate downstream of the diversion structure.

• The water available in the Athirappilly reservoir is released to the River through the above two plants viz.2 x 80 MW & 2 x 1.5 MW

• Hence after confluence of Kannankuzhy,the entire water will be available for downstream users. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Salient Features  Dam height - 23 M  Tunnel length - 4689 M  Storage capacity (Gross) - 8.44 MCM  Main Powerhouse - 2x80 MW  Dam Toe Powerhouse - 2x1.5 MW  Gross Head - 160 M  Water Required - 2.80 MCM/MU Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Salient Features

 Total forest area to be diverted – 138.60 Ha  Area for temporary use & return – 13.20 Ha  Permanent forest area diversion – 125.40 Ha  Total Submergence area at FRL – 104.40 Ha  Forest plantations -36.80 Ha  Natural forest - 28.40 Ha  River bed portion - 39.20 Ha  Forest area at 4M below FRL  Area at 4M below FRL - 81.00 Ha  Clearance of natural  forest & plantations - 41.80 Ha Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

• 90% dependable energy is arrived as 233 Million units.

• The 233 Million Units of generation is from the net inflow available downstream of Poringalkuthu after taking in to account all diversions.

• Central Electricity Authority has accorded TEC for the project. Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Project Clearances  Techno Economic Clearance granted in May 1996 (vide ref. No.2/KEL/9/96-PAC/4736-45 dated 3/05/1996)

 Forest Clearance granted – Stage-I in December 1997 (vide ref. No. 8-12/97-FC dated 22/12/1997) – Stage-II in December 1999 (vide ref. No. 8-12/97-FC dated 16/12/1999)

 Environmental Clearance granted (vide ref. No. J-11016/36/83-IA dated 20/01/1998) Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Environmental Clearance was granted based on:  Rapid EIA by TBGRI, Trivandrum (1996)  R&R Plan by TBGRI, Trivandrum (1996)  Catchment Area Treatment Plan by CESS/Kerala Forest Department (1996)  Field visit by Expert Committee members on 21/08/1997 Prof. P.G. Sastry, Prof. K. Paliwal & Dr. S. Bhowmik KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Environmental Clearance was granted based on:

Findings of Dr.P.Kannan, Reg.Dy.Dir (WLP) and Dr. R. Sukumar, Scientist – deputed by MoE&F

Dr.P. Kannan – Project area not under Tiger Reserve, Project does not affect elephant migratory route (letter no. 7-135/WSR/97 dated 14/10/1997)

Dr. R. Sukumar – No impact on elephant population, no obstruction to elephant movement (letter dated 11 /11/ 1997) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW Public Interest Litigations OP No. 1774 of 2001 filed by Sri. A.P. Usman OP No. 3581 of 2001 by Sri. S.P. Ravi & Others OP No. 7713 of 2001 by Sri. Dharmarajan

On the grounds that

Complaining that Board has dispensed with essential criterion of tender – financial package Public hearing was not conducted KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW Public Interest Litigations Common Judgment dated 17/10/2001 allowed OPs in part  Directed to comply with EIA notification 1994 as amended by notification of 1997 in so far as it relates to public hearing and to send up to the authorities concerned the report on public hearing  Directed Central Government to reconsider the question of grant of environmental clearance  Directed State Government to examine issues relating to financial package  Directed the Board to optimise generation and minimize T&D loss  Finalisation of contract and starting of work – stayed till fresh decision is taken by Government of on environmental clearance and by on financial package

Pursuant to the Judgment, MoE&F suspended the Environmental Clearance till public hearing report is submitted (ref. No. J.12011/11/2001J.12011/11/2001--IAIA--II dated 19/11/200119/11/2001)) Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Compliance of Judgment dated 17/10/2001  Notified Public hearing to be held on 6/02/02

 CEIA study entrusted with WAPCOS (Jan 2002)

 Another PIL (OP 2846/2002) was filed for further EIA should be complied before public hearing

 Judgment dated 28/ 01 / 2002 in the above OP – EIA not mandatory before EPH.

 Public hearing was held on 6 / 02 / 2002 by KSPCB after circulating Rapid EIA and Project Summary prepared by TBGRI KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Compliance of Judgment dated 17/10/2001  KSPCB submitted the report on Public hearing (Letter No.PCB/TSR/CE/59/2001 dated 4/03/2002)

 Studies and reports as requested by MoE&F were undertaken by KSEB and submitted

 Studies and reports as requested by CWC were undertaken by KSEB and submitted

 The project was considered by Expert Committee for River Valley and Hydro Electric Projects on 10.1.2005

 The committee noted that issues raised in the public hearing have been clarified in the CEIA and recommended withdrawal of suspension of environmental clearance Project Clearances

 Environmental Clearance granted (vide ref. No. J-12011/6/97-IA-I(Vol.II) dated 10/02/2005)

Techno Economic Clearance granted in March 2005 (vide ref. No.2/KEL/9/89-PAC/331-55 dated 31 / 03 / 2005)

Forest & Environmental Clearances granted Public Interest Litigations

OP No. 9542 of 2005 filed by Ms. Geetha

 OP No. 11254 of 2005 by Sri.P.M.Pushpangadan

 OP No. 26073 of 2005 by Sri. C.Madhusoodhan

Complaining that Board has conducted public hearing (on 6. 2 . 2002) without circulating the EIA report prepared by WAPCOS (based on the amendment in EIA notification dated 13.6.2002) Public Interest Litigations Common Judgment pronounced on 23/03/2006 stated

 …The Electricity Board in these two counter affidavits has taken pains to show us that the project as envisaged now could not have any adverse environmental impact and as such it is not necessary to interfere with the environmental clearance now granted. …….. we are disposing of these writ petitions solely on the ground of non-compliance with the amended notification which applies to the present case going by the ratio of Ext .P3 judgment

 Electricity Board is bound to apply for environmental clearance by the 1st respondent afresh after publishing the Environmental Impact Assessment report stated to have been got prepared by the KSEB and conducting a public hearing after publication of the report. The quashing of environmental clearance was only on procedural grounds Compliance of Judgment dated 23/03/2006

 Public hearing was held on 15 / 06 / 2006 by KSPCB after circulating CEIA and Executive Summary prepared by WAPCOS  EAC meeting held on August’ 2006 directs KSEB to address in detail all issues raised in public Hearing  Fresh Application for Environmental clearance submitted on 06.11.2006  KSEB submits comprehensive reply to all the issues raised in the public hearing  State Forest Dept submits report of all species Process of third Env. clearance

 EAC meeting held on Nov’2006 reviews the report of public hearing including reports and replies furnished by KSEB

 EAC recommends Environmental clearance subject to submission of data on 7 identified locations downstream

 KSEB in association of WAPCOS submits its report on the issues cited by EAC - January 2007 KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

Process of third Env. clearance  EAC meeting held on February 2007 decides to supersede the decision of EAC meeting held in 11/2006 based on a reference from PMO

 Deputes a five member EAC team to visit the site  Prof P.G.Sastry ( Chairman) , Prof S.P.S. Kushwaha , Prof S.Chanda, Dr R.K.Khanna (CWC) and Dr S. Bhowmik ( Member Secretary)

 Site visit under taken from 11.4.2007 to 14.4.2007 Process of third Env. clearance

 EAC team based on the findings from the site visit and a public hearing submits its report to MoE&F

 EAC meeting held on May 2007 considers the project proposal including report of site visit

 EAC recommends Environmental Clearance

 MoE&F issues Environmental clearance vide letter dated 18.7.2007 Conditions of Environmental Clearance -July 2007  Catchment Area Treatment plan as proposed should be completed in three years

 Main Power House shall be operated only during 7pm to 11 pm from 1 st February to 31 st May. Rest of the time it should be shut down

 At any point of time KSEB should release a minimum flow of 7.65 m 3/sec over Athirappilly falls

 No tribal families should be displaced. The package proposed for improving the quality of life of the 18 tribal families located on the left bank of river should be followed in toto

 KSEB should provide employment opportunity during the construction period of the HEP to the two tribal settlements @one employed person per family.

 Existing school and hostel meant for the tribal families should be provided with better amenities Conditions of Environmental Clearance, July 2007

 A Primary health centre with proper medical facilities and medicines be established by KSEB.

 Financial sanction has to be obtained by the irrigation department for repaid and maintenance of leakages in the low level sluices and two irrigation canals to prevent leakage of water

 Action plan for restoration of RET species as suggested in CEIA report to be implemented

 Long term ecological monitoring for a period of 10 years

 Restoration of construction areas

 Bio-diversity study should cover the lower plants Conditions of Environmental Clearance, July 2007

 A surveillance centre should be opened and periodical checking should be done for detection of Malaria and other water borne diseases

 Six monthly monitoring reports to be submitted

 Financial commitment from KSEB regarding CAT Plan

 Revenue from tree felling to be utilized for compensatory afforestation

 Multi - disciplinary committee should be constituted to oversee effective implementation of suggested safeguards - funded by KSEB

 Mobile squad headed by Forest Range Officer and funded by KSEB Compliance of Conditions of Environmental Clearance - July 2007

 Multi-disciplinary committee consisting of representative of NGO constituted to oversee effective implementation of suggested safeguards - funded by KSEB

 Action plan for restoration of RET species as suggested in CEIA report initiated in association with TBGRI, Palode

 Long term ecological monitoring for a period of 10 years - Terms of Reference approved by KSE Board and sent to MoE&F

 Terms of Reference yet to be approved by MoE&F Efforts to implement the project and yet more obstructions..

 Based on direction of GoK, KSE Board invites fresh tenders for implementation

OP filed by M/s HCC & BHEL consortium against fresh tender

Two PIL’s also filed against the decision of GoI & GoK to implement the project KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW Public Interest Litigations OP No. 30801 of 2007 filed by Ms Geetha OP No. 31022 of 2007 by Sri. Madhusudhanan

On the grounds that  Environmental clearance is vitiated by non-application of mind  Project not economically viable  Assess the exact T&D losses scientifically MoE&F respondent to the above PIL Obstructions…

 Single Bench decides to cancel the decision of KSEB and directs to award the work of implementation of the project to M/s HCC & BHEL consortium with escalation clause– Feb 2008

 Writ Appeal filed by GoK and KSE Board before Hon; High Court of Kerala

 Honourable High Court decides to hear the PIL’s first.

 The two PILs and writ appeals are under consideration Show cause notice from MoE&F

MoE&F issues show cause notice to KSE Board on 4.1.2010

KSE Board files reply to the show cause notice on 19.1.2010

MoE&F decides to place the proposal and reply furnished by KSE Board before EAC on 21.2.2010 Show cause notice from MoE&F

MoE&F stays the implementation of the project till appraised by EAC- 21.2.2010

Issues cited in the show cause notice Impact on tribal due to modern development of dam Impact on bio-diversity Show cause notice from MoE&F

EAC meeting held on March’2010- Considers reply furnished by KSEB KSEB presents the proposal before EAC EAC directs KSEB to furnish replies to the objections raised by various stake holders KSEB furnishes reply EAC meeting held on 22.4.2010 considers the reply furnished by KSEB & reserves its decision Show cause notice from MoE&F

MoE&F reconstitutes the EAC Newly constituted EAC considers the proposal afresh on 17.7.2010 EAC had concluded on 17.7.2010 “ After critically examining all the issues based on the reports, facts and discussions and deliberations held among the EAC members, the committee considered that the clarifications provided were found satisfactory”. EAC meeting on 17.7.2010 decides…

The authenticity of the reports prepared by KFRI received by EAC members from a scientist be confirmed from the Director, KFRI with respect to the period of study, area, funding agency and year of publication. KSEB shall furnish the clarifications with respect to the representation received by the Hon. Minister for Environment & Forests. CWC may be requested to confirm the hydrological data submitted by the KSEB. CWC reviews the water availability…

CWC receives representation’s from NGO’s

Clarifications and study reports submitted by KSE Board critically examined by CWC

CWC re-confirms the hydrological data submitted by the KSEB in December 2010 to MoE&F. KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

 Opponents of the project are citing alternative sources of energy  Increase in Coal and Naphtha based generation power plants  Highly polluting fuel  Will increase rather than decrease climate change problems  Density of population high  Transportation of fuel exorbitantly high  Interstate transmission corridor over loaded KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW PRAYER In view of the fact that:

 Demand for cheaper and cleaner power is increasing  Kerala has no other source of power than hydel  Demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes is increasing  Storage of water has to be increased to meet summer requirements  More than 57% of Kerala’s hydel potential remains to be harnessed  Kerala had no major hydel capacity addition during last several years  Prime Minister had announced ambitious plan for capacity addition of 100,000 MW – thermal and 50,000 MW – hydel by 2012  All environmental, social, technical and financial aspects have been completely studied and addressed  Board has already incurred huge amount for this Project  Delay in implementation increases the cost of Project KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Athirappilly HE Project – 163 MW

PRAYER WGEEP may be pleased to recommend for implementation of Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project, clearance which was already issued as early as in July 2007