The Centre, which is struggling to tap the hydro potential of 1,20,000 mw in the country, has proposed to carry out a pilot study to evaluate the impact of hydroelectric projects in the hills. The pilot study will focus on evaluation of environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects and issues like river basin approach in planning hydroelectric projects, maintenance of adequate water flow in the river for religious and cultural requirements. The study is essential as large number of hydroelectric projects may obstruct the flow of river Ganga which could adversely affect the ecology of hills.
Power ministry sources told FE that there will be no stopping of projects during the completion of pilot study. The Central Electricity Authority also observed that the development of hydroelectric projects should not be kept pending. In the meantime, flow of water can be maintained by proper operation of generating units.
Sources said the stretch between Dharosu and Gangotri can be considered for pilot study to examine the operational, ecological, religious and cultural requirements of upstream and downstream of river Ganga due to construction of hydroelectric projects. The data collected during various studies can be shared for avoiding duplication of work and for early completion of the proposed pilot study. The ministry of environment and forests will coordinate and award the study to IIT Roorkee or GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.
The pilot study is all the more essential as at present appraisal of the proposals is undertaken on a project to project basis and necessary environmental measures are stipulated according to environmental clearance. The approach, therefore, is project specific and a larger study is required for territorial as well as aquatic ecological aspects to cover total impacts of hydroelectric projects in Ganga Basin in Uttrakhand.
However, due to large number of projects, it is apprehended that long stretches of Ganga will go dry if all the projects are implemented without ensuring adequate flow in the river Ganga. Currently, the hydrological data regarding flow of Ganga is being examined by the National Institute Hydrology, Roorkee and Central Water Commission is examining the downstream water requirement of a dam or barrage with respect to operational and ecological aspects.