All dams have an environmental impact. And the 70 hydro-electric projects being planned in Uttarakhand will not only have an impact on biodiversity, but also reduce the flow of water in the Ganga. The projects came under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court following the flash floods in the state in 2013. The good news for votaries of development is that the union environment and water resources ministries, which were at loggerheads over the projects, will take a united stand in the Supreme Court. This could pave the way for clearances provided they pass the scrutiny of the court. Power generated through hydro-electric projects can be considered as partially green because no CO2 is generated and the power source, which is water, is renewable. However, dams have an impact on biodiversity and this aspect needs to be thoroughly studied before permissions are granted. At the same time, India is a power starved nation and every energy source needs to be channelized. The greater concern here is maintaining sufficient flow of water in the Ganga since the rivers across which the dams are to be built drain into it. Greater scrutiny is therefore a natural requirement in the case of all 70 hydro-electric projects that are being planned.
