With Hydro Projects in the Himalayas Flouting Norms, Disaster Is an Eventuality
A number of projects have not been complying with mandatory environmental flows , affecting the health of the Ganga. The authorities concerned have failed to enforce compliance.
The Bhagirathi River, site of the Loharinag Pala Hydro Power Project, in Gangotri, Uttarakhand. Credit: Atarax42/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
Government20/Feb/2021
In the wake of the recent flash floods that ravaged Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, questions are once again being raised on the suitability of hydropower or hydroelectricity projects (HEPs) in the Himalayan region. It is alleged that such projects are hindering the flow of the Ganga river immensely and their water discharge is inadequate, which adversely affects the health of the river.