Social bodies join hands to oppose power projects on Chenab basin

Various social organisations, including Jan Chetna Samiti, Tandi Dam Sangharsh Samiti and Save Lahaul Samiti of Lahaul and Spiti district, have strongly opposed the state government's recent approval of 22 new hydropower projects in the state, particularly in the ecologically sensitive areas of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba.

The proposed projects, with power generation capacities ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW, are set to be constructed on the fragile and environmentally sensitive Himalayan cold desert, raising concerns among local communities and environmental activists.

Nawang Tamba, president of Jan Chetna Samiti, Lahaul and Spiti, said, "The Chenab River, a key lifeline for the region, is primarily covered by glaciers and any human interference could severely damage the pristine environment, endanger biodiversity and harm the livelihoods of local residents. The valley, home to unique flora and fauna, is highly susceptible to disruptions in its ecosystem. The large-scale projects could result in irreversible environmental damage, including destruction of seasonal crops, forests, and freshwater resources, as well as increased air and water pollution." He pointed out that the region lies within a high seismic zone, making it prone to disasters.

According to the Abhay Shukla Committee''''s 2010 recommendations, hydropower projects should not be built above 7,000 ft at the origin of glacial rivers. The proposed hydropower plants, particularly in the Chenab basin, could lead to severe consequences, including landslides, floods and displacement of residents, he said.

“Climate change is already affecting the region, with rising temperatures, unusual rainfall and glacier melting,” said Vinod Larje, president of the Tandi Dam Sangharsh Samiti.

“The construction of hydropower projects will only exacerbate the environmental crisis, leading to destruction of water resources, loss of biodiversity and irreparable harm to the local economy," he pointed out.

"Apart from this, Chenab river has religious significance for us like the Ganga river, where people perform the last rituals of their loved ones after death," he said.

These organisations have raised concerns that the projects would undermine the region’s tourism potential, particularly following the construction of the Atal Tunnel, which has opened up new opportunities for adventure and nature tourism.

They have appealed to the state government to reconsider decision in the interest of preserving the environment and safeguarding the livelihoods of the local population. They warned that if the government fails to halt the projects, they will mobilise to launch a public campaign against the decision.