NGT puts 540-MW Kwar hydro project under environmental scanner, issues notices

18/09/2026

JAMMU, Sep 17: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has issued notices to the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir Gove-rnment and other authorities on a petition alleging environmental violations, excessive blasting, indiscriminate muck dumping and damage to residential structures in villages affected by the 540-MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district.
A Bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad issued notices to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Secre-tary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Cent-ral Pollution Control Board; J&K Pollution Control Committee; Chief Secretary, J&K; Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar; and Managing Director, Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CVPPL).
The respondents have been directed to file their responses by the next date of hearing on November 30, 2026. The proceedings arose from Original Application No. 348/2026 filed by Guddu Kumar and Sanjay Kumar on behalf of residents of Halqa Panch-ayat Padyarna in Block Nagseni, Kishtwar.
The applicants alleged that construction activities associated with the hydroelectric project had resulted in serious environmental and safety concerns, including landslides and cracks in land, residential houses & other structures.
Taking note of the allegations, the Tribunal obs-erved that a substantial issue concerning compliance with environmental norms had been raised.
The applicants alleged that muck generated during construction was being dumped on slopes, adversely affecting the Chenab River and its basin, and relied upon photographs placed on record. Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah, appearing for the applicants, submitted that continuous and excessive blasting in the project area was causing severe vibrations and alleged structural damage to residential houses in SumnaBhatta, Pullar and Padyarna.
He further submitted that cracks had allegedly developed in the walls and foundations of several houses, raising concerns over the safety of residents. The applicants also alleged that stone crushers, movement of heavy vehicles and ongoing construction were contributing to dust pollution in the surrounding areas.
The counsel submitted that residents had approached the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, through a representation dated May 5, 2025, alleging illegal blasting and unauthorised stone-crushing activities. A reminder was submitted on July 9, 2025, following which, according to the applicants, the Deputy Commissioner's office directed CVPPL to furnish a detailed report within three days.
The applicants alleged that no effective remedial action followed, leading them to approach the NGT. The Tribunal also recorded the applicants' reliance on Clause 5 of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Management Plan for District Kishtwar, claiming that the document indicated a high GLOF risk relevant to construction of the dam.
In view of the issues raised, the Tribunal directed issuance of notices to the concerned authorities and listed the matter for further consideration on November 30, 2026.
The allegations remain subject to the responses of the authorities and further adjudication by the Tribunal.

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