Bokaro/Chandrapura: The ongoing construction of a gabion wall along the banks of the Damodar River by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in Chandrapura (CTPS) has sparked a fresh environmental controversy, with the Tenughat Dam Division issuing a show-cause notice to the corporation over alleged violations and ecological damage.
The notice, served by the Executive Engineer of the Tenughat Dam Division, seeks detailed documentation related to the construction activity and questions the legality of the project. The action follows complaints and correspondence received from the Water Resources Department, Hazaribagh, as well as the state chapter of the Damodar Bachao Andolan (Save Damodar Movement).
According to the notice, DVC is constructing a nearly 600-metre-long gabion wall along the Damodar riverbank within 50 metres of the High Flood Level (HFL), raising concerns over possible violations of environmental and river conservation norms. Authorities have also alleged that sand is being extracted from the riverbed and excavation work is being carried out within the river channel, activities that could adversely impact the fragile ecosystem of the Damodar River.
Authorities Seek NOC and Land Transfer Documents
The Executive Engineer has directed DVC authorities to immediately submit all relevant approvals, including No Objection Certificates (NOCs), land transfer records, and other statutory clearances obtained for the project. The notice makes it clear that if no such permissions have been secured, construction activities must be stopped without delay.
Officials have further warned that failure to halt the work could invite legal action under applicable provisions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) framework.
DVC Says Response Will Be Filed
Responding to the development, Ram Kumar Anubhavi, Chief General Manager and Project Head of DVC Chandrapura, acknowledged that construction work is underway along the riverbank. He stated that the corporation would submit a formal reply to the show-cause notice issued by the Tenughat Dam Division and present its position before the authorities.
Damodar Bachao Andolan Prepares NGT Move
Meanwhile, environmental activists have intensified their opposition to the project. Praveen Kumar Singh, State Convener of the Damodar Bachao Andolan, said the authorities have instructed DVC to furnish all NOC and land transfer documents immediately.
Singh asserted that irrespective of whether DVC produces the required documents, the movement plans to approach the National Green Tribunal. According to him, a petition will be filed before the NGT seeking intervention to protect the river ecosystem and remove what activists describe as encroachments and environmentally harmful activities along the Damodar River.
Environmental Concerns Take Centre Stage
The controversy has reignited concerns over the ecological health of the Damodar River, with activists alleging that unchecked construction, riverbed excavation and sand extraction could alter the river’s natural flow and damage its biodiversity. As scrutiny intensifies, all eyes are now on DVC’s response and the possibility of legal proceedings before the National Green Tribunal in the coming days.
