Socio-economic Impacts of Hydel Power Project Pahalgam, Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir India

Abstract

Electricity is the most essential element for the economic growth of a nation. In the past decade or so, throughout the world,
hydropower projects have gained much attention regarding the environmental and socio-economic impacts that have arisen
from the development of such projects. Though small hydropower projects are generally considered greener and more
sustainable options than large ones, the environmental effects of SHP are not ‘Small’ compared to large ones. The SHPs
cause long-term adverse effects on the surrounding environment, such as the construction of reservoirs and power plants
causing deforestation, displacement of the local population, water present in the reservoirs for more extended periods causing
the leaching of nutrients from the soil and also causes waterlogging and root rot; the stream diversion affects the habitat of
aquatic species, risk of fire occurrence in the powerhouse poses a severe threat to the local population, affects the agricultural
production, less employment generation, less electricity availability. To mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts
and maximize the positive effects, a sustainable water resource project is required, and a public meeting should be conducted
before such small hydropower projects are installed. This paper refers to the perception of the local public with regard to
the socio-economic impacts of the Pahalgam Hydel Power Project and the need for sustainable development to maintain the
balance with the hilly and eco-sensitive area.