Uttarakhand mulls shelving hydel projects on Bhagirathi

The move came in the wake of controversy over the fast-unto-death by G D Agrawal, an environmentalist spearheading the "save Bhagirathi" campaign.

Khanduri, who has held parleys with top officials, is also likely to hold talks with the Union power ministry to settle the issue, official sources here say.

The state government had earlier planned a series hydel projects between Uttar kashi and Gangotri.

Khanduri, however, made it clear that the decision on stopping the construction of the 600-Mw Lohari Nagpala project would be taken by the Centre since it was being constructed by NTPC, the country's largest power generation company. Other major dams being built on the river include Pala Maneri (480 Mw), Bhairon Ghati (381 Mw) and Jad Ganga (200 Mw).

Khanduri's latest statement is also being seen as a softening of his stand on the issue of hydel projects after he was criticised by the VHP and other Sangh Parivar outfits which have decided to lend full support to Agrawal.

Agrawal, 76, began his fast-unto-death on Friday at Manikarnika Ghat area, the holy bathing spot on the Bhagirathi river, in Uttarkashi town.

VHP President Ashok Singhal said the party would raise the issue of the Ganga's purity and conservation in a big way across the country.

The Hindu Jagran Manch, a key RSS-affiliated organisation, has also decided to support Agrawal's agitation.

Top environmentalists and social activists like Sunder Lal Bahuguna, MC Mehta and Rajendra Singh have also come out openly in support of Agrawal.