To prevent a tragedy like the Reni disaster from recurring after the avalanche, JP Company, the builder of the Vishnuprayag hydroelectric project, has started installing CCTV cameras near the glacier point. The company will then continuously monitor the area using these cameras after snowfall. These CCTV cameras will be operated with the help of satellites.
On February 7, 2021, an avalanche occurred in the Niti Valley of Chamoli district under bright sunshine. This buried the Rishiganga hydroelectric project located on the Dhauliganga River under debris, and debris also entered the under-construction tunnel of the Vishnugad-Tapovan hydroelectric project in Tapovan. Workers, engineers, and employees had no time to react to this disaster. Learning from this, NTPC strengthened its tunnel-side warning alarm system.
Preventing a Reni-like tragedy from an avalanche
Now, JP Company has a hydroelectric project barrage on the Alaknanda River, about three kilometers from Pandukeshwar in the Mana Valley. Avalanches also occur frequently at the river’s source, causing the river’s water level to rise. To prevent a tragedy like the Reni disaster from an avalanche, JP Company has planned to install CCTV cameras in Mana, Basudhara, Hanumanchatti, near the Khiron River, and Ghastoli. Installation work has already begun in some locations.
Jyotirmath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrashekhar Vashisht said that the Vishnuprayag hydroelectric project company is installing CCTV cameras at various locations from the source of the Alaknanda River to the project’s barrage site. The locations were selected by a survey team. The objective is to ensure the safety of project employees and minimize damage.
The memory of the avalanche still haunts us
The avalanche that originated at the source of the Rishiganga River caused flooding in the Dhauliganga River. More than 200 people lost their lives in this tragedy. The avalanche occurred on February 7th at 10:21 AM. Sandeep Nautiyal of Tapovan says that the Reni disaster is still fresh in his memory. Seeing the floodwaters in Dhauli village, there were screams and cries of panic everywhere.
