SHIMLA: Backed up by the Studies, Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh says that Hydropower development is a best bet in the new paradigm of reducing carbon footprints and achieving the PANCHAMRIT targets of India by 2030.
Singh cited a study done by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS), Dehradun to back his assertion.
IIRS study suggests that construction of hydropower project does not deteriorate the ecosystem.
It has not increased the incident of landslide as claimed by many. On the contrary, technology has improved substantially and ecosystem downstream is kept going by the e-flows.
R.K. Singh said this after he inaugurated the first ever LAHAR (Large Hydro Active Reach Out) Conclave organized by SJVN in association with CBIP in New Delhi on December 16.
Experts from diverse fields and public sector undertakings (PSUs) came on board at the LAHAR conclave.
RK Singh’s assertion for development of hydropower as a game changer for the changing Energy scenario globally came when the tribal groups are up in arms against the hydropower power projects.
Locally in Himachal, the certain environmental groups in the tribal areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and as far as Arunachal Pradesh have been opposing hydropower projects.
They have been citing fears of climate change, flash floods, landslides and other as the main reasons for opposing the large hydropower projects in the Himalayan states.
Most of the hydropower potential is concentrated in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir and other Northeast States in the Himalayan region.
Addressing the Conclave RK Singh further said hydropower is God’s Gift to the Planet. It has been being utilized by civilizations from time immemorial.
Singh said all the developed countries have harnessed almost entire Hydropower potential available with them.
“Experiences suggest that development of hydro power has positive impact on the ecology of the area in terms of water table and greenery”, Singh said.
Sh. Singh said that, most of the population now appreciate the positive impacts of development of Hydropower projects.
The development of Hydropower is most essential in the new paradigm of reducing carbon footprints.
He further reaffirmed his resolve that there is need for more concerted efforts to sensitize all stakeholders about these positive impacts.
The minister was referring to the tribal groups in Himalayan states where they are opposing hydropower projects being developed by the SJVN, NHPC and other private players.
CMD SJVN Nand Lal Sharma, who is also Chairperson, LAHAR said in line with the Prime Minister’s Vision of 50% of energy from Non- Fossil Fuel and 500 GW from Renewable Energy sources, harnessing of Hydro energy holds the key to achieve this tall target.
Apart from enabling Grid Stability, Hydropower has been contributing to growth story of the Nation for last many decades, he said.
Sharma informed that in light of the certain challenges being faced by this sector, there arose a need for concerted and collaborative efforts by all the stakeholders.
SJVN has taken lead to organize the First Ever LAHAR Conclave in which all Central Hydro PSUs met for intensive deliberations.
Alok Kumar Secretary (Power), Govt. of India said LAHAR Conclave is providing a platform for exchanging best practices in the Hydropower Sector.
He said that Hydro Power is cleanest and oldest form of energy known to humankind.
He further advised all Hydropower developers, particularly PSUs to be cost conscious with commercial orientation in developing leftout potential.
“There is need to communicate positives of Hydro Power to the affected people”, he added.
Harnessing of Hydro Power is essential in achieving the PANCHAMRIT targets of India by 2030.
The Government of India has constituted LAHAR committee. This committee disseminates benefits of hydro power projects, besides their positive impact on the socioeconomic development of the region among people.
The conclave aimed at identifying constraints and finding the ways for fast and early completion of hydroelectric projects.
Conclave also provides a platform for initiating discussions with all stakeholders,
The experts mulled on problems including forest clearance and land acquisition.
