Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: A Study of Hydroelectric Power Projects in Satluj Basin in District Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

: Construction and operation of HEPs have always been associated with changes in the social, physical and biological environment. Building dams on rivers have severe impacts on livelihood of the indigenous people, altering the river ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The present study, therefore, focuses mainly on the HEPs in river Satluj and its tributaries in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. On the perception survey frequent natural hazards and their resultant tangible and non tangible loss on local communities due to construction of hydropower projects and its surrounding has been analyzed. Further, preventive measures to mitigate the adverse impacts have been suggested to strengthen these projects in eco-friendly manner in the highly fragile mountain ecosystem. The impacts due to hydropower development, especially reservoir and dams are always space extensive which covers catchment area of upstream, downstream and on site surrounding area of plants. Generally, HEPs in Kinnaur district have been given all attention regarding its technical design, economical issues and very least or almost negligible attention on social and environmental factors. The present study is the need of hour to protect rich tribal culture and very high earthquake sensitive zone (IV& V) of Kinnaur district. Community, Natural Hazards, Preventive Measures, Social and Environmental Impacts and Sensitive Zone.