Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHEAST INDIA: ISSUESAND CONCERNS

Lalit Saikia, Rekha Bora, Ranjit Kalita, Daisy Das and Shabana Akhter

Abstract

Northeast India is endowed with a hydropower potential of 66,000 megawatts, which represents about40% of the national potential. While looking at the benefits of huge hydropower potential of the region,many serious issues are overlooked and not projected in proper way. Geographical disadvantage, threat toecosystem, impact on river morphology, socio economic challenges and downstream impacts are the majorchallenges in hydropower development in the region. In this review paper, an attempt is made to addressall those issues with some effective development and management options for sustainable hydropowerdevelopment in the geographically, ecologically and socially ultra-sensitive region of Northeast India. Smallprojects instead of large dams, structural modification, change in location and combination of both (scalingdown and change in location) are effective options to minimize the negative impacts as well as to safeguardthe environment and society. Intensive and comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessmentstudy prior to dam construction is necessary. Local people as well as downstream people should be givendue importance in the whole process of EIA and benefit sharing.