India has approved the construction of its largest-ever hydropower project, the Dibang Hydropower Project, in the Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. The project is set to be built on the Dibang River, near the border with China. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited will develop the project at an estimated cost of INR 319 billion, and it is expected to take nine years to complete. This article will explore the details of the project and its potential impacts.
Project Details
The Dibang Hydropower Project will have a total installed capacity of 2,880 megawatts (MW) and will involve the construction of a 278-meter-high Concrete Gravity Dam. The project will also have various horseshoe-shaped head race tunnels, horseshoe-shaped tailrace tunnels, and an underground Power House. The project is designed to generate clean and renewable energy for the country, and it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 9.3 million tons per year.
The NHPC has assured the public that it will take appropriate measures to minimize the environmental and social impacts of the project. The corporation has also said that it will ensure the proper resettlement and rehabilitation of the affected people. The project will create employment opportunities for the local people during the construction and operation phases.
Impacts on the Environment
Hydropower projects can have significant impacts on the environment, especially on the aquatic ecosystem and the surrounding forests. The construction of the dam can cause the submergence of forest lands and result in the loss of biodiversity. The changes in the water flow can also have impacts on the fish populations and other aquatic organisms. The operation of the project can also lead to the erosion of river banks and changes in the river’s hydrology.
The Dibang Hydropower Project is expected to have similar impacts on the environment. The submergence of the forest lands can lead to the loss of habitat for wildlife, including endangered species such as the clouded leopard, takin, and goral. The changes in the water flow can affect the fish populations and the livelihoods of the people who depend on fishing. The project can also have implications for the climate, as it involves the creation of a large reservoir that can lead to the emission of greenhouse gases.