Ecological Consequences of Hydropower Development in Himachal Pradesh with Special Reference to Chamera Dam

Abstract

Hydropower is an important renewable energy resource and one of the most efficient power generation systems on the planet. Despite all of the benefits of hydropower plants, there may be some drawbacks. However, its growth is accompanied by negative environmental consequences. Hydropower dams are still being constructed at a rapid pace in the developing world and are causing disturbances to river ecology, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gases emissions, as well as displacing thousands of people and affecting their food system, water sources, and agriculture. While environmentalists around the country reject massive projects with large reservoirs, locals in Himachal Pradesh consider modest projects as a scourge as well. The steady deterioration in environmental parameters in the hills has serious connotations for sustainable development, not only for the hill areas, but for the country as a whole. The goal of this research is to look at the environmental effects of hydropower and possible mitigating strategies. In short, our aim has been to study how damming has had ecological impacts on the dislocated people, to assess their reaction, receptivity, and outlook towards the projects. The interview method was adopted for collecting data. Survey has been conducted with the help of a well designed interview schedule.