Uttarakhand to support REL's Urthing Sobla project

Amid the controversy that Reliance Energy did not seek environmental clearance before starting a preliminary survey at its 280 MW Urthing Sobla power project in Pithoragarh district, the Uttarakhand government today said it would provide all logistic support to the company for taking necessary permission.

"We will provide all the help that is necessary for seeking the Centre's clearance," said a top government official.

The controversy came after a Reliance Energy team that had gone to conduct the preliminary survey on the proposed Urthing Sobla hydroelectric project site in Darma valley of Dharchoola area was turned back by the forest officials for not having necessary permission to go inside the Askot wildlife sanctuary.

Forest officials said that the three-member survey team of Reliance Energy was sent back as they were digging the proposed site for taking samples on June 23 without any permission to enter the wildlife sanctuary, in violation of forest laws.

Reliance Energy had signed an agreement with Uttarakhand government in 2005 for the hydroelectric power project on Dhauli Ganga river in Pithoragarh district. The project site falls inside the Askote wildlife sanctuary, which was notified in the year 1986 to protect the endangered musk deer.

Through Urthing Sobla, Reliance Energy is trying to make forays into the hydro-power sector in the country.