Author: PPD Team Date: 30/04/2025
Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (Tangedco) has paused site stability tests, including rock blasting and earth quarrying, for its proposed 2,000 MW Sillahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project in the Nilgiris.
Estimated at Rs 69.14 billion, the project was to be developed in two stages through a public-private partnership. The state would provide funding while the central government would serve as the regulatory authority.
Groundwork activities began after the release of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. However, all site activities, including blasting, have now been stopped.
The proposed site spans around 25 villages in Kundha taluk. It includes burial grounds and temples of tribal communities. The project involves building two dams connected by a 10 km tunnel. Villagers and environmental groups, including the Save Sillahalla Movement, have raised concerns about cultural and ecological impacts.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) postponed a public hearing scheduled on March 20. TNPCB said its role is limited to conducting the hearing and sending a report to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF).
The project has not received key approvals. No NOCs have been issued by the MoEF, state environment department, or forest department.