BASIN PLANNING-INITIATIVES BY HIMACHAL PRADESH

摘要

The paper will cover the initiatives taken by Himachal Pradesh in India for Basin planning. Himachal Pradesh is a State in the northern part of India bestowed with exploitable hydro power potential of more than 23000 MW in five river Basins. To assess the true picture around all the Basins, Himachal Pradesh has adopted a multi-pronged strategy which covers the areas i.e. identification of balance exploitable potential, strategy for projects under implementation, cumulative environment impact assessment and integrated CAT plans for the entire Basin. The work has started on all fronts and all these studies are proposed to be completed in next two years for all the five river Basins. The study for identification and firming up of balance hydro power potential is in advanced stage and is planned to be completed by June 2012. This is aimed at optimization of the exploitable power potential of all the basins based on the technical parameters, environmental requirements. Himachal has initiated the approach on Basin Planning in two Basins a) Satluj, largest Basin having maximum activity, b) Chenab Basin, where activity is minimum presently i.e. almost virgin basin, in the first phase. Preparation of Integrated CAT plan for one of the biggest Basin i.e. Satluj Basin is already complete and CEIA studies for the same basin is under process. The study is aimed at assessing the cumulative ecological impact of all the HEPs planned or under execution on aquatic fauna and flora, biodiversity of the riverine ecosystem of the river, environmental or ecological flows and surrounding areas and ecological integrity of river system. The objective also includes the optimization of hydropower, interoperation issues and modification of planned activity. Integrated CAT Plan preparation for Chenab Basin has been awarded and is in advanced stage while the TOR for CEIA of Chenab Basin has been finalized and the studies are to be awarded shortly This paper will discuss the terms of reference prepared for all the major areas, strategy for conducting these studies, status as on date and institutional mechanism for these studies.