Suggestions and Recommendations

摘要

The role of hydel power in India, which suffers from acute scarcity of power, is too obvious to require much elaboration. Hydropower is one of the better sources of providing power. It is a renewable source of energy having lower cost of production as compared to its alternatives like thermal or nuclear. And yet, hydro-electric sector has been making slow progress despite the country having a huge hydro-electric potential. Some of the projects have been delayed for decades. The loss is to the nation. The main reason for this lies in alleged inadequate attention paid to socio-economic and environmental factors at the initial stage and absence of a pragmatic approach. What can we do? Can we formulate new approaches and methodologies for expediting these projects while also meeting the legitimate aspirations of the project affected people ? It was in this context that the Institute for Resource Management and Economic Development, Delhi organised a two day National Seminar on Environmental Management in Hydro-Electric Projects at India International Centre, New Delhi, on 11 and 12 November, 1999. The Seminar had been sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation Ltd., Power Grid Corporation of India, Central Water Commission, Wapcos, and Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation Ltd. It was inaugurated by Shri T.R.Baalu, Hon. Minister for Environment and Forests, Government of India. The inaugural session was presided over by Shri R.N. Srivastava, Chairman, Central Electricity Authority and Ex-officio Secretary to Government of India. Shri A.D. Mohile, Chairman, Central Water Commission and Ex-officio Secretary to Government of India gave the keynote address. The National Seminar discussed most of the crucial issues related to environmental management of hydro-electric projects as per programme. Apart from the inaugural session, the seminar was conducted in seven technical sessions, a panel discussion and a valedictory function. A number of eminent experts prepared lead papers for the seminar. Details are provided in the copy of the programme enclosed. The seminar was attended by 73 participants most of whom were eminent experts, top administrators and academicians.