International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 05 | May 2024
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p-ISSN: 2395-0072
A Review on Assessment of Environment Impact of hydro-projects in Himachal Pradesh Akshay Pathania1, Sahil Dhiman2, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Banshtu3 1Research scholar, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh 177005 India. 2P.H.D scholar, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh 177005 India.
3Associate Professor, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh 177005 India.
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Abstract—. India is the 7th largest hydroelectricity producer globally, accounting for 3.3% of total hydroelectricity and ranking 5th in exploitable hydroelectric energy. Himachal Pradesh, rich in water resources, generates 25% of the gross hydropower produced. The expansion of hydropower and the associated risks to the environment have both favourable and unfavourable consequences on the environment, despite the fact that hydropower is a very efficient renewable energy source. The state has numerous hydropower projects, including Bhakra Nangal Dam, Nathpa Jhakri Dam, Chamera Dam, Karcham Wangtu Hydroelectric Project, Salal Hydroelectric Power Station, and Rongtong Hydroelectric Project. These projects provide a substantial contribution to India's position as a prominent hydropower producer. Nevertheless, it is essential to exercise appropriate oversight over environmental and social consequences. Thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and active involvement of the community are crucial for the appropriate construction of hydropower projects. The involvement of state governments and regulatory organizations is essential in supervising and controlling these projects to ensure sustainable growth.
majority of developed nations for planned (hydropower) projects that surpass a certain scale. The Indian Himalayan rivers have significant potential for hydropower production, with 20463.5 MW of hydropower capacity in five river basins. Himachal Pradesh, a rapidly developing state in India, depends on agriculture, tourism, cement, and hydropower as key drivers of its economic expansion. India has a total hydel capacity of 23,000 MW, which accounts for 25% of the country's overall hydel potential. Currently, hydropower projects have already used 8,368 MW, and there are plans to exploit an additional 3,805 MW. Although the Indian government recognizes hydropower as a crucial renewable energy source, it lacks the necessary resources and capabilities to efficiently and promptly develop these projects [2]. Incentive packages enhance the profitability of hydropower investments by effectively reducing costsWhile increasing hydropower capacity promotes economic growth, it also exacerbates environmental problems and causes disputes over the distribution of water and land resources. Long river sections vanish because of the repeated diversion of rivers into head race tunnels, which dries out a significant portion of the riverbed. This calls into question how well India's present Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system assesses and mitigates environmental problems. There is a dearth of research examining the intrinsic constraints of the legislation and the possibilities of alternative assessment instruments to enhance environmental decision-making for hydropower development in India. The majority of research focuses on assessing compliance with current EIA procedures.
Keywords— Adverse Impacts, Hydropower Projects, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Effects.
1. INTRODUCTION An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a thorough examination of the possible favourable and unfavourable effects that a project's environmental impacts might have. A number of aspects are considered in this evaluation, including environmental, social, and economic ones. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure that the potential environmental impacts are considered by those making the decision to go forward with the project [1]. According to U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) definition, an EIA is a predecisional and pre-commitment procedure for methodically determining, assessing, and reducing a project's environmental effects. Thus, it also functions as a means to ensure that projects are carried out with thorough regard for environmental factors. An EIA often leads to the development of an EMP, which provides detailed information on the actions to be taken to minimize and monitor any negative effects. EIAs are mandatory in the
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2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The methodical process of assessing a proposed development project's environmental effects—both positive and negative—is known as an environmental impact assessment, or EIA. Its goal is to ensure that these effects are properly taken into account during the project design process. All relevant facets of the ecological, social, economic, and human environments may be affected by these outcomes.Hence, the research necessitates an interdisciplinary approach and should be conducted within the initial stages of a project's viability. A research examined the EIA of a Himachal Pradesh (HP) hydropower project in
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