Issue with hydropower projects on the Teesta River

Source: The post issue with hydropower projects on the Teesta River has been created, based on the article “Power play: Hydropower projects must factor in the environmental costs too” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Infrastructures and Disaster Management

Context: The article discusses recent landslides in Sikkim and Wayanad. It highlights concerns over hydropower projects along the Teesta River, especially after disasters have damaged major dams. It emphasizes the need for better environmental assessments and sustainable project planning.

For detailed information on Hydroelectric Projects in India read this article here

What is the issue with hydropower projects on the Teesta River?

1. Frequent Natural Disasters: The Teesta river’s hydropower projects are vulnerable to natural disasters. For example, the October 2023 glacier outburst destroyed the Teesta-3 dam, which reduced its power output by 90%.
2. Construction Concerns: Developers of Teesta-3 opted for a cheaper concrete-faced rock fill dam instead of a more durable concrete gravity dam, leading to its complete destruction.
3. Environmental Risks: The river’s challenging terrain makes the projects susceptible to environmental risks, which have often been underestimated.
4. Limited Project Development: Out of 47 proposed hydropower projects on the Teesta, only five are operational, with 16 under consideration, showing the difficulty in balancing development with environmental safety.
5. Need for Better Assessments: Accurate environmental impact assessments are crucial to ensure public trust and project sustainability.

For detailed information on Teesta River read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and risks associated with hydropower projects on the Teesta River.