Talking green, going red

Several mini-hydel power projects have been installed in the Western Ghats damaging the fragile eco-system. Pic: Naagakiran

In the state of Karnataka energy deficiency is a much debated political topic. In their attempt to gain electoral support, and more importantly avoid embarrassing legislative questions successive Governments have permitted several ‘green energy’ projects. As a result over 70 small hydropower projects (<25 MW capacity), popularly called as mini-hydel projects, have peppered several rivers and streams that dot the forests of Western Ghats. Though these projects are required to meet the growing demand of electricity, the siting of some these projects is the cause of concern.

The Western Ghats, a biological hotspot are complex mountain systems forming catchment area for river systems that drain nearly 40 percent of the country. These enchanting mountains running parallel to the west coast support the human society through a variety of eco-system services including water regulation, flood control, carbon sequestration, genetic repositories and several other factors. Importantly they harbour some of our endemic and endangered wildlife species including tiger, elephant, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, hornbill and many more. For several decades these forests are subjected to a variety of human disturbances and now mini-hydel projects join the list of threats.

Unlike thermal or nuclear power plants these cleaner, ‘greener’ projects have gained currency in the last decade as they do not have any direct effect on humans. Hence these politically palatable projects even drummed up support of environmentalists. Though talking green can be politically correct, but the on-ground realities can be different, infact very different.

From a wildlife conservation perspective these projects are already proving pricey. Several roads are formed in pristine forests by felling thousands of trees. Transmission lines that evacuate power to the central grid necessitates further cutting of trees leading to linear fragmentation of wildlife habitats. Canopy dwelling species such as the lion-tailed macaque, a highly endangered Western Ghats endemic, flying squirrel, slender loris, to name a few are severely impacted by linear fragmentation. Breakage in tree canopy contiguity limits their movements to smaller home ranges restricting access to food sources. These animals need to scout large areas of forests as fruit bearing trees are spread over several thousand acres and are seasonal in nature. Genetic related disorders creep in due to inbreeding, as these animals are unable to mix with other groups due to the breakage in their movement corridors.

Curtailing river flow impacts fresh water flora and fauna. Fresh water fish endemism is particularly high in the Ghats. Control of water flow by these projects will affect fish migration and spawning, nesting of amphibians and a host of other problems.

In the evergreen forests of Hassan district, Gundia Indian frog a critically endangered species is independently evolving in India since the last 50 million years. Recognised as an EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) species it is found in a small area of 100 sq km. The Kemphole mini-hydel project, where this frog has its last stronghold, has ensured the further depletion of this rare amphibian.

Several old growth trees have been cut to form roads and other infrastructure. Pic: Bhuvnesh

In the past 36 months biologists have discovered 14 frog species, five species of insects and one fish species that are new to science in the Western Ghats forests of Karnataka alone. It would be ludicrous if we lose species even before they are revealed.

Some of these projects fall in the forests that have no legal protection but have all the characteristics of natural forests. Though the Supreme Court has ordered protection of unprotected forests (deemed forests) little attention is paid to this. Relaxations made in the rules for power projects generating less than 25 MW are grossly misused. By splitting projects into multiple ventures, promoters hoodwink the mandatory environmental clearance required for projects above 25MW. This ploy also helps claim subsidies for multiple projects. Some allege that their production capacities are higher than they are permitted.

Sardonically some of these projects have even claimed incentives from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) for being ‘green’. The state and central Governments have offered several subsidies making these projects almost free of cost for the investors. Even project permits are traded for high returns.

This ‘small is beautiful’ concept has the same effect as large hydropower projects, cumulatively possibly even higher. The scale of impact for every megawatt generated is comparable to the large hydro power projects. The negative effects seem to evidently outweigh the benefits and clearly there is no scientific basis for the ‘green’ claim of these businesses.

Energy Department of Karnataka estimates that the potential of small hydro power generation is 3,000 MW. The 72 projects in the Western Ghats of Karnataka even operating at their optimum levels would produce less than ten percent of the state’s energy needs. However their impacts on forests and wildlife are larger both in economic and environmental terms. If detailed studies with the help of true experts rather than through self-appointed environmental impact assesses are made, more feasible project locations could be drawn out.

Breakage of habitat contiguity has severe impacts on canopy dwelling wildlife species such as the lion-tailed macaque. Pic:Naagkiran

Wildlife habitats seem to be the softest targets for policy makers and business proponents. Our governance approach is to wake up to the impacts after the effects are too conspicuous and irreversible. As the old saying goes prevention is better than cure. It’s perhaps time to rethink our environmental governance approaches and make some space for nature.

An edited version of this article was published in the 16-30th June, 2011 edition of Governance Now.