“Leakage Disaster: The Lambadug Hydroelectric Project Fallout”

The 25-megawatt Lambadug hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh experienced leakage during the testing phase and its penstock leaked on May 10, causing significant damage to property in Multhan village in Kangra district, according to an independent fact-finding team of environmentalists.

The three-member team of Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective visited the area to document the testimonies of the affected people and assess the damage.

The team found that muddy water from the leaking penstock of the hydro project affected around 80 families in the village and called for a complete moratorium on new projects of 25 MW and above capacity.

They also recommended a safety audit of all existing operational hydropower and mega projects in the state.

The project, built on the Lambadug river, is one of 40 projects in different stages of commissioning, construction, and planning on the Beas river and its tributaries.

Nineteen of these projects are of 25 MW and above capacity with significant underground and surface excavation.

The project, executed by Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited, had experienced leakage during the testing phase as well, but the volume of water was not large, and people were assured that the project would be operational only after all safety measures were taken.

The May 10 incident affected nearly a 300-metre stretch of Multhan market and about 4 hectares of farmland.

The foundations and lower stories of the structures in the affected area are covered in 6 feet of muck, the team found.

They observed that water leakage continued despite the claim of project authorities that the reservoir had been completely drained. Water was leaking from near the pressure shaft and the penstock below the forebay.