Hydro Power Projects in Himachal Pradesh Review and Analysis of Impacts and Risks

Abstract

The demand for electricity has increased in both developed and developing countries due to rapid growth in population and industrialization. To meet the increasing demand, conventional and renewable energy resources such as thermal energy, hydropower, solar energy, wind power, nuclear energy, coal etc. are exploited. There is a huge potential for hydropower generation in the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). Out of the total identified hydropower potential of 27436 MW, around 87% is harness able. However, only 41% has been harnessed so far. Contemporary HPPs exist in different scales. They are classified into large (i.e., > 25 MW), small (i.e., 5-25 MW) and mini-micro (i.e., < 5 MW). HPPs might cause positive and/or negative impacts on environment i.e., river/stream, forests, animals, humans etc. In the present study, impacts of 5 HPPs on different environmental factors were analyzed. One large (66 MW), two small (10 MW & 6MW) and two mini-micro (4.8 MW & 4.5 MW) HPPs were considered. Questionnaire was prepared and communicated to various experts including academicians, regulatory officials, environmentalists, project managers and local public affected by the projects. Major factors considered for evaluation of impacts included Air/ Noise, Land, Water, Biological and Human environment. Twenty-two sub factors were considered: air quality, noise levels, land forms and land use, seismology, geology, water quality and water resources, surface water hydrology, ground water hydrology, flooding, sedimentation, flora and fauna (terrestrial & aquatic), resettlement-relocation, accidental risk/human health, services/facilities, aesthetics, archeological/ cultural/ historical resources and economy.