Hydropower Development in the Himalayas: Balancing Development and Ecological Sustainability

In May 2026, the Union Government has decided to halt the sanctioning of new hydropower projects in the upper reaches of the Ganga Basin, particularly on the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers in Uttarakhand, while allowing seven ongoing projects to be completed.

  • The decision reflects the growing recognition of the ecological fragility of the Himalayan region, even as India seeks to meet its energy, infrastructure, and strategic security objectives.

Key Dimensions of the Issue

Ecological and Geological Dimensions

High Seismic Vulnerability

  • The Himalayas are geologically young fold mountains formed by the continuous collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
  • Most of ....
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