Date:08/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/08/stories/2005070805181300.htm

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Baglihar project work suspended

Staff Reporter

Rising water level a threat to nearby civilian areas also

JAMMU: Work on the 450-MW Baglihar project, being constructed on the Chenab in Doda district, has been suspended as one of the two diversion tunnels collapsed due to a rise in the water level. A team of government experts is assessing the situation on the spot.

Officials told The Hindu that on Tuesday afternoon the level in the reservoir rose to 766 metres, washing away 150-200 metres of the 550-metre diversion tunnel. At present, water discharged from the reservoir is being diverted to the other tunnel. The officials said it might also give in under water pressure caused by flooding.

The rising water level also poses a threat to nearby civilian areas such as Pul Doda.

Three days ago a steel bridge near the Baglihar project was washed away.

The completion of the dam is already behind schedule. The first phase was to be completed by 2004; now the revised date is January 2006. The two-phase 450-MW Baglihar project was started in June 1999. This is the only mega hydel project of the State Government.