Chennai: An expert committee of the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, after a field visit, observed that the proposed 1000MW Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Project would have “minimum impact on environment”.The project, undertaken by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited, aims to utilise existing reservoirs in The Nilgiris and received preliminary approval in April for an environmental impact assessment study and public hearing.The project is estimated to cost Rs 5,005.52 crore. The committee, led by chairman G J Chakrapani, conducted the site visit to assess the ecological, geological and environmental characteristics before considering environmental clearance.A report on the site visit indicated that the project area, from upper to lower intake, would have minimal impact on forest and environment due to majority of project components being underground.Geotechnical investigations are underway, involving drilling operations to evaluate rock mass characteristics and subsurface conditions. “The rock is favourable for tunnelling and underground work with minimal risk of instability,” the report said.NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited is a joint venture of NTPC Limited and Tangedco. The project utilises Upper Bhavani and Avalanche reservoirs, and there is no construction of new reservoirs. “This project may prove to be a model project that strikes a balance between development and environmental conservation due to its location in the ecological hotspot of The Nilgiris. Going by the selection and design of the project, this is going to have minimum impact on the environment,” the committee said.The committee examined various parameters of the existing reservoirs and different water levels considered for the pumped storage project. The availability of abundant water during the monsoon season is expected to provide additional benefits.”The committee was apprised by the project proponent that the alignment was finalised avoiding the Shola Forest. These forests act as water towers of the region, and their protection was noted as a positive decision while planning the alignment,” the report said. The location of the powerhouse was assessed, and EAC members expressed the view that the underground work would not affect the surface environment or create significant noise after the project’s commissioning.