TNPCB cancels Silahalla project public hearing in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has canceled a public meeting that was scheduled for Thursday in Kundha, Nilgiris. The meeting was intended to discuss the controversial Silahalla Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project. Residents, farmers' associations, and conservationists had raised concerns about the project before the meeting. Many people believed the project had already been canceled. The Silahalla Protection Committee and nearby farmers have been opposing the project for over ten years. They argue that it will harm farmland and the livelihoods of residents in more than 20 villages in the Kundha taluk. The Nilgiris Collector, Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, stated that the Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has already conducted an environmental impact assessment for the project. The TNPCB plan was to share this assessment with local residents. She noted that many people were confused, thinking the meeting was about land acquisition. Instead, it was meant to gather public opinions on the impact assessment. Tanneeru emphasized that the project is still in the early stages. She assured that local community approval is essential for the project to move forward. She mentioned that it could take many years before the project is sanctioned, giving residents time to express their views. The rescheduled meeting date will be announced later.