Himalayan rivers face a hydropower surge | Science
In May 2023, India’s Forest Advisory Committee greenlit the ambitious Etalin Hydropower Project, which is set to generate an impressive 3,097 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power. This project, however, comes at a significant environmental cost, as it involves the construction of dams on the Dri and Tangon rivers, leading to the diversion of water across 1,175 hectares of forest land, which equates to the loss of approximately 278,000 trees. The Etalin project is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance energy security and transition towards cleaner energy sources. Yet, this initiative raises serious concerns about the ecological impact on the Himalayan region, which is not only a crucial biodiversity hotspot but also a lifeline for many local communities that depend on these rivers for their livelihoods.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is China’s recently initiated Lower Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, which began construction in July 2023. This project is poised to alter the water flow into India’s Brahmaputra River, further complicating the delicate balance of water resources in the region. While hydropower is often touted as a clean energy solution, the environmental threats posed by such large-scale projects cannot be overlooked. The Himalayan rivers are vital ecosystems that support diverse species and provide essential resources for millions of people. Therefore, the potential ecological degradation from projects like Etalin and Lower Yarlung Tsangpo could have far-reaching consequences, not only for biodiversity but also for the socio-economic fabric of the communities that rely on these waterways.
To address these pressing challenges, regional collaboration is essential. By fostering cooperative agreements between India and China, both countries can work towards mitigating the environmental and societal risks associated with hydropower projects while still ensuring energy security. Collaborative efforts could lead to sustainable management of water resources, preserving the ecological integrity of the Himalayan region while meeting the growing energy demands of both nations. As the world moves toward more sustainable energy solutions, it is crucial to balance development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the needs of local communities and ecosystems are not sacrificed in the pursuit of energy generation.
In May, India’s Forest Advisory Committee approved the Etalin Hydropower Project, which aims to generate 3097 MW of hydroelectric power to meet the country’s energy needs. This will require building dams on the Dri and Tangon rivers, which will divert water away from 1175 ha of forest (278,000 trees) (1, 2). Similarly, China’s Lower Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, which commenced in July, will affect water flow into India’s Brahmaputra River (3). Although hydropower can provide energy security and support the transition to clean energy, these and other Himalayan rivers are vital for biodiversity and for the livelihoods of local communities. Hydropower projects pose environmental threats. Regional collaboration could mitigate environmental and societal risks while safeguarding energy security.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering Health news.
