Fragile ecology, competing interests: The red flags in building Himalayan dams
Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-III (Environment, Infrastructure) and GS-II (Governance). Covers environmental conservation, sustainable development, and infrastructure planning in ecologically sensitive areas.
UPSC Relevance
Maps to GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology) and GS Paper 2 (Governance), specifically the environmental impact of infrastructure projects in fragile Himalayan ecosystems and the development vs. conservation debate.
What You Need to Know
The issue of building dams in the Himalayan region, which has a fragile ecology and hosts competing stakeholder interests. Key fact: India has over 5,000 large dams, with many in the Himalayan states, and several more planned for hydropower.
Why It Matters for UPSC
It is central to India's clean energy transition (hydropower is a renewable source) but poses risks to biodiversity, seismic stability, and downstream communities. For the exam, it tests understanding of sustainable development, environmental legislation, and conflict resolution.
Background
Post-independence, dams were seen as 'temples of modern India' (Nehru). The Tehri Dam and Sardar Sarovar sparked major debates. The National Hydroelectric Power Policy and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 are key frameworks. Recent glacial burst events (e.g., Chamoli 2021) have heightened concerns.
Current Relevance
India is pushing hydropower to meet 500 GW renewable target by 2030, with several projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, recent flash floods and glacial bursts have reignited debates on the safety and sustainability of Himalayan dams, prompting calls for a comprehensive review.
Key Points for Revision
- •Himalayan dams face dual risks: seismic vulnerability (region is Zone V) and GLOF threats, as seen in Chamoli 2021.
- •Hydropower contributes ~12% of India's total installed capacity, but ecological costs include habitat fragmentation and loss of river connectivity.
- •EIA Notification 2006 mandates environmental clearance, but experts cite poor compliance and lack of cumulative impact assessment.
- •Himalayas host 4 of 36 global biodiversity hotspots; dam projects threaten endemic species like the Himalayan quail and golden mahseer.
- •India's 500 GW renewable target by 2030 includes ~70 GW from hydropower, necessitating a balance with ecological conservation.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. Himalayan region is seismically active (Zone V). 2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are a major risk for Himalayan dams. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Himalayas are in seismic Zone V, making them highly earthquake-prone. GLOFs, like the Chamoli 2021 event, are a significant threat to dam safety in the region.
Q2. Which of the following is the primary environmental concern of large dams in the Himalayas?
Dams fragment river habitats, blocking fish migration and altering ecosystems, threatening species like the Ganges river dolphin. This is a well-documented ecological impact.
Q3. With reference to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India, consider the following: 1. It is mandatory for all hydropower projects. 2. It was first made mandatory in 1994. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The EIA Notification 1994 made environmental clearance mandatory for large projects, including hydropower. The 2006 notification updated the process.
Mains Practice Questions
Discuss the ecological and social challenges posed by hydropower dam construction in the Himalayan region. Suggest a sustainable path forward. (250 words)
DiscussExamine the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in mitigating the adverse effects of infrastructure projects in India. Critically evaluate its implementation with reference to Himalayan dams. (250 words)
Critically evaluate