There is an indication that very soon there may be a change in the way hydro-electric projects are conceived and built in the country. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have requested the World Bank to carry out a study to develop a holistic river-basin-development. The consultants, Hydro Tasmania, submitted their report to the two states on Thursday that read that the current project-by-project approach does not have the same benefits that can be achieved by basin-wide-approach (a basin is also called a catchment area or a watershed). A basin-wide approach helps in optimising energy production and minimises environmental and social impacts, the report stated.Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have the largest untapped hydropower potential in the country and both the state governments have invited the private sector because the capital requirements of their ambitious hydropower development are enormous. Today, 19 projects are either operating or are under construction on river Sutlej, while the Alaknanda, the number is 16. This means that individual developers are engaged in construction work. While the public/private model helps to solve problem of financing, it creates new problems of coordination, the report read.Individual developers focus on their own projects and face many challenges to bring their projects to fruition. The report has found evidence that lack of coordination with upstream neighbours has led to design conflicts that were discovered late in the process, necessitating costly re-design of the project.From the design perspective, hydrological modelling will improve project energy output and can improve flood forecasting. Silt, a major issue with these fast flowing Himalayan rivers, can best be dealt with more effectively when looked at from an entire river perspective. In addition to issues of consistency in design and operation, there are certain activities that are better carried out at the river basin level like catchment-area-treatment.With more thought being given to communities and stakeholders living around the project, the report said it will help in better communication as well as benefit sharing.There are a number of examples in the world where it is being done. Mekong River basin was formed in 1995 by an agreement between the governments of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. It agreed on joint management and development of river. In India, though there is a Forum of Hydro Power Producers of the Sutlej Basin, it is not mandated and meetings have been conducted only twice so far.
