Government Opposes New Hydroelectric Projects in Alaknanda-Bhagirathi basin

On May 20, the Union Government informed the Supreme Court that it is not in favour of setting up new hydroelectric projects (HEPs) on the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, the two headwater streams of the River Ganga.

The submission was presented as a “consensus” view during hearings related to environmental concerns and ecological vulnerability in Uttarakhand.

Background

The debate over hydropower projects in Uttarakhand intensified after the devastating 2013 Kedarnath disaster, which caused massive loss of life and infrastructure damage. Following the disaster, the Supreme Court ordered a detailed scrutiny of existing and proposed hydropower projects in Uttarakhand, put a freeze on environmental and forest clearances for new hydroelectric projects in the region.

Concerns Raised: During the hearings, several recent disasters were cited as evidence of the Himalayan region’s fragility; 2021 Rishi Ganga floods and Joshimath flash floods and land subsidence.  Experts and environmentalists highlighted high seismic vulnerability of the Himalayas, increased risk from climate change and glacial melting and ecological damage caused by tunnelling, blasting and dam construction. 

Ecological Importance of the Region: The Alaknanda-Bhagirathi basin is ecologically significant and rich in biodiversity. It includes several protected areas such as: Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Gangotri National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone. Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone is a protected 100-km stretch between Uttarkashi and Gaumukh.

Importance of the Alaknanda-Bhagirathi Basin

• The basin forms the main headwater system of the River Ganga.
• The Ganga supports nearly half of India’s population through agriculture, drinking water and livelihoods.
• The river basin has immense cultural, spiritual and religious significance.

Panch Prayag

The basin hosts the famous Panch Prayag — the five sacred river confluences of Uttarakhand where tributaries merge with the Alaknanda River before the formation of the Ganga. The Five Prayags: 

1. Vishnuprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers
2. Nandaprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers
3. Karnaprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers
4. Rudraprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers
5. Devprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the River Ganga is officially formed.

Religious Significance

The basin is central to India’s spiritual heritage as it includes:

• The Char Dham pilgrimage circuit
• Several sacred temples and river confluences are revered in Hindu tradition.

Sources: IE & DTE