17. Small Hydro Power Projects and Community Participation

It has been estimated that Himachal Pradesh has vast hydel potential of approx. 21,000 MW in the five river basins. Out of this total potential, only 6,037 MW has been harnessed so far. Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) has been designated as the nodal agency for the State of Himachal Pradesh to promote small hydro projects (SHPs). HIMURJA has been instrumental on behalf of the State of Himachal Pradesh in formulating various policies and identifying potential sites for the development of SHPs in private sector/joint sector. In spite of all above measures by HIMURJA and private small hydro power developers, a number of SHPs are facing tough resistance from the locals in their implementation. Total negligence towards environmental aspects and lack of community participation is the main reason behind the resistance against the small hydro sector. This study examines community participation in the ongoing small hydro projects in Kullu district. While nominal benefits such as temporary employment have occurred to the rural village community the change in environmental conditions and conflicts regarding right over water resources may further degrade the man-environment relationship.