Abstract

Hydroelectric power projects vis-a-vis air pollution: Second thought needed

Author(s): Mahendra Singh Lodhi, Prasanna Kumar Samal, Mihin Dollo

Development of hydroelectric power projects is a biggest development in debate in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) these days. Despite offering some advantages in terms of electricity and economic benefits, these projects are imposing several direct and indirect negative impacts to the people and environment of the region. The environmental impacts of the river valley projects have been researched worldwide;management andmitigation policies also have been formulated to deal with the identified impacts upto an extent; however still there are some undreamt negative impacts which need to be addressed at international level. The present article (critical review) attempts to present a yet out-of-sight negative impact of these hydropower projects which certainly needs a serious consideration at policy level.