Large hydro power projects are not the only solution to India's energy requirement. Use of another energy resources can effectively supplement energy needs & help in protecting water resources.

The potential of these sources is given below

Source: GOI, 1999; Web-site of MNES (Ministry of Non Conventional Energy Sources), September 1999.

Further, conservation and efficient use of power can help augment existing potential. Thus reducing pressure on existing hydro resources as presented below:

The above table shows the bias in favour of development of large hydro as against development of small hydro and other renewable energy sources, in spite of their huge potential. Hence, the argument that the renewable energy sources are too expensive and hence non viable has two fatal weaknesses. Firstly, the large hydro projects seem cheaper only when social and environmental costs are not properly counted. Secondly, very little resources have been put in to make other renewable sources cheaper and more viable. This can be achieved through economic incentives and by allocation of resources for research. 

Critical Issues for Future

It is therefore important to: 

1. Do a post facto review of the performance of past projects against the projected costs, benefits and impact, versus the actual costs, benefits and impacts. 

2. Put forward a comprehensive impact assessment framework for assessment of social and environmental impacts of the projects including assessment of options. Also generate a public debate for this. The EIA must lead to:

Minimising the impacts and adopting mitigation measures. 

Calculating cost benefit ratios by including all costs, including social and environmental costs. ( The benefits should be net of the consumption of energy by the plants including in its construction phase, net of the consumption by the dam itself. Many times, the dams are net consumers of electricity. For example, in case of ongoing Sardar Sarovar Project, at its full completion stage is to produce only 50 MW. As against that, the process of lifting water into Saurashtra and Kutch branch canals is going to consume more than 60 MW net of its own generation. Ram, 1993: 31-33) 

Comprehensive land based resettlement plan, linked with submergence. 

Comprehensive impact assessment as part of river basin plan. ( impacts in upstream, downstream and submergence areas, cumulative impact with other existing and ongoing projects in the valley, seismologic, hydrological and geomorphological impacts, carrying capacity studies, impact due to green house gas emissions, among others. Downstream impacts are invariably neglected in the past even in environment impact studies.) 

Complete catchment area treatment plan. 

The project will have to show that all non-large dam options have been exhausted across the nation and the project fits into national and regional prioritised development plan. 

(Summarised from: Himanshu Thakkar, 2000, for details e-mail <Cwaterp@del3.vsnl.net.in> 

3. Set up an independent authority to assess, sanction and monitor the social and environmental aspects of hydropower projects with powers to stop projects where minimum safeguards and mitigation plans are not being followed or that the social and environmental impacts are likely to be in access or the actual benefits are likely to be lower than the claimed benefits.