Environmental Concerns Likely to Delay 2,000 Megawatts in Hydropower Projects in India

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In a recent development, the Indian government has announced that the construction and commissioning of hydropower projects with a combined generating capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) may be delayed due to environmental clearances. According to G.B. Pradhan, who is the additional secretary to the Ministry of Power, the ministry had targeted 8,000 MW of new hydroelectric capacity by the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17).

Recently, the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) (Rishikesh, Uttaranchal), which is constructing the 400-MW Koteshwar hydropower project on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, announced that floods have severely damaged the project. The commissioning of the first phase of the dam and power plant, which was slated for December, has consequently been deferred. Experts have observed that natural calamities, including floods, earthquakes and geological concerns, have posed huge challenges for hydroelectric projects. Further, the displacement of villages and their people, and the danger to wildlife, flora and fauna have made construction and commissioning of hydroelectric projects more difficult. During the 10th Five-Year Plan (2002-07), India was able to commission only 50% of its targeted 14,393 MW of new hydropower projects.

In September this year, a few states in northern India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, were inundated with waters from the Ram Ganga, Phalgu, Ganga, Gandak, Sharda, Yamuna and Kosi, leaving submerged villages and thousands dead in their wake. Hydropower generating projects in northeastern region of the country, which is believed to possess the highest hydroelectric generating potential, also have come under the scanner. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has raised issues and submitted its concerns to the Ministry of Power about the disaster mitigation steps taken by Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and other states as part of the hydropower project development. The ministry also has recommended a combined assessment of river basins in this region to identify viability of new hydroelectric power projects, and has directed public sector companies participating in this sector to include afforestation in their project portfolio. Concerns also have been raised about the lack of flood-control measures for the 720-MW Mangdechhu power project in Bhutan. The project is being developed by NHPC Limited (BSE:533098) (Faridabad, Haryana). Geologists have indicated that lack of proper flood mitigation measures may cause problems to land, people and property in Assam.

Seismologists have indicated that Arunachal Pradesh, which has huge hydropower potential, is in the "very high damage risk zone." Until 1993, the state had experienced nearly 87 minor and major earthquakes and several cloud bursts and flash floods. In Assam, projects proposed on the Brahmaputra River are facing problems due to their adverse impact on human and wildlife.

Experts have observed that dams built on rivers flowing across borders not only endanger life but may also lead to calamities due to sudden bursts of water in reservoirs. In August, Pakistan issued flood warnings and evacuated 168 villages as a precaution when water from the Ravi River was released by India.

In the midst of environmental concerns over the development of new hydropower projects, the Arunachal Pradesh government reportedly has approved 130 new proposals. The Ministry of Power also has admitted that the state government has given clearances to these projects without a proper and complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In a related development, the Energy Development Company Limited (BSE:532219) (Kolkata, West Bengal) has signed a memorandum of understanding to build seven hydropower projects in the state with a combined capacity of 373 MW. The memorandum of understanding is in addition to an agreement with the state government to build hydroelectric power generating facilities with a total capacity of 143 MW on a build-own-operate-transfer mode. The first project is expected to be commissioned in 2013.

In its effort to ensure environmental safety, the Indian government recently scrapped the 600-MW Lohari Nag Pala project on the Bhagirathi River, which was being developed by NTPC Limited (BSE:532555) (New Delhi). The project was cancelled after several protests were staged by religious groups and because of concerns about restriction on the flow of the river.

Hydropower plants are emerging as a popular choice for sustainable energy production. This source is considered to be green, environmentally friendly and one of the best forms of renewable energy. However, in comparison to traditional fossil fuel power plants, these projects are more expensive and have longer construction time. Further, since construction of dams alters the natural course and flow of rivers, there is always a risk of floods. Scientists have observed that after floods, the decaying vegetation emits more methane than thermal power plants.

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