Impact analysis of hydroelectric power projects on the rural sustenance in the Kullu valley of northwestern Himalayas

Abstract

This study is a multidisciplinary inquiry into socio-economic impacts of HEPPs on the lives of local communities and sustainability of small/large projects in the eco-sensitive region of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh in North-Western Himalayas. The study dwells deeply on the efficacy of existing policy frameworks governing SIA and has suggested S4 Model of Well-being to ensure social equity and dignified rehabilitation of affected communities. The model has re-classified and prioritized well-being determinants in consonance with widely accepted theories propounded by Corey Lee M. Keyes, Carol Ryff and Abraham Maslow. The S4 model has been effectively applied in SIA process on the proposed Nakthan HEPP (460 MW). Further an attempt has been made to assess the impact of Parbati HEPP Stage-II (800MW) on the QOL of the people living in four project affected valleys to ascertain whether the accrued benefits of the project have equitably improved their socio-economic life. The research further examines the endogenous and exogenous factors which determine societal role of mountain women, their stupendous contribution in sustaining family livelihood to suggest policy frameworks by HEP proponents for their empowerment and enhanced role in decision making process. The LULCC for Kullu block has been carried out using GIS from the year 1992 to 2019 to analyze the changes in landscape attributable to activities stimulated by HEPs. The study concludes that development of HEPs in fragile mountainous regions must encompass issues of social justice, social cost and intra-generational equity through transparent policy frameworks to ensure their sustainability. newline