NHPC kickstarts Uri-I Stage-II construction, rebuts safety concerns raised on social media

Ziraat Times News Desk

Baramulla, May 30: NHPC Limited has said that construction of the Uri-I Stage-II Hydroelectric Project is being undertaken after securing all mandatory statutory clearances and approvals, while also rejecting safety concerns being circulated on social media regarding the project.

In a statement, the General Manager (Civil), Uri-I Stage-II Project, said the second phase of the hydropower project has received environmental, forest and defence clearances, besides obtaining no-objection certificates from the concerned ministries and departments.

The official said the project’s proposed tunnel is located approximately 400 metres inside the mountain, with an additional lateral rock cover ranging between 300 and 500 metres, ensuring the safety of construction activities.

The clarification comes amid concerns being shared on various social media platforms over the safety implications of the project’s construction works.

NHPC said that any blasting required during execution of the project would be carried out through controlled methods under the supervision of its experts and specialists from government-approved national-level technical institutions.

Describing Uri-I Stage-II as a project of national importance, the company said the safety and security of local residents and establishments were given due consideration during the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

NHPC reiterated its commitment to adhering to all prescribed safety standards and regulatory requirements during the execution of the project and maintained that adequate safeguards have been incorporated into the project design and construction process.