HC dismisses petition on alignment of GMR Holi Bajoli project

Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the shifting of project alignment of GMR Holi Bajoli project in Bharmaur town of Chamba district from right to left bank of Ravi river.
Dismissing the petition, a division bench comprising Chief Justice A M Khanvilkar and Justice R B Mishra, imposed a fine of Rs 1.25 lakh and found the petition "motivated".
The court directed the petitioner to deposit the cost within one week failing which Deputy Commissioner shall recover the cost as arrears of land revenue.
The court had directed to pay the cost to HP Forest department, Pollution Control Board, GMR Company executing the project and central environment department.

The petitioner Vinod Kumar had challenged the action of authorities to permit the GMR project proponent from shifting the alignment from right to left bank and claimed that no public hearing was afforded before shifting the project.
The petitioner contended that HPSEB has recommended establishing the project on right bank and the shifting is contrary to the advice of experts.
The state government opposed the petition and contended that action of the state government was in conformity with the state hydel policy prepared by the project proponent 2006.