Large scale hydroelectric projects and development on the Satluj basin in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh

The Satluj River is extremely rich in hydropower, with 4 large scale hydropower projects have commissioned and several others under construction and planned. There are huge difficulties in coordinating hydropower development and local regional development, owing to gaps in national policies, clear separation between enterprise and local communities, and problems with local management and the local community. The impacts due to hydropower development, especially of reservoir and dams are always extensive in term of space. It covers upstream, on site, and downstream areas and surroundings of hydropower plants. It includes physical and social impacts that cover many aspects of nature and human society. The effects on the natural habitat are the biggest concern with run-of-river projects. The reduction of natural water flow can change the quality of the habitats. Some of the negative impacts of hydroelectric Projects include loss of vegetations, changes in rivers flow patterns, involuntary resettlement, health problems, loss of cultural values and marginalization of local people. Historically people used the water of rivers for agriculture and wheat grinding. Today Rivers and streams are re-directed through hydro generators to produce energy. Socially acceptable hydropower means that any proposal for a project must be discussed with stakeholders and adopted to their needs, and that successful negotiations must be concluded with affected local communities for a project to move ahead.