NTPC's 520 MW Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower project in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is facing uncertainties due to opposition from the local people and politicians.

The company plans to invest Rs 800 crore in the project. The project was conceived as a merchant power project which is proposed to be commissioned by 2012.

The local people have raised concern over the alleged excessive discharge of water from the underground tunnel of the project, which will create environmental hazard in Joshimuth town. The project is located nearly 1.5 km away from Joshimuth.

Work on the proposed 12-km long tunnel has been suspended in February 2010 following the discharge. Till now, the NTPC has completed nearly 3.5 km of the tunnel. Other construction works of the project like reservoir and power house remain unaffected.

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