Environmental Impact Assessment of Hydroelectric Project During Construction Phase: A Case Study

Abstract

When a proposed construction action is considered to threaten the physical, chemical, ecological, social and economic environment, then a thorough assessment is required to be carried out and measures are identified to prevent and offset the adverse environmental impacts by conducting comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is an important regulatory, legal and monitoring tool for all involved in decision making including planners, engineers, scientists, administrators, academicians and all stake holders in the sustainable development of hydroelectric projects pre, post and at the end of life of the installed project. It also gives avenues to the project affected citizens to voice their concern freely in the open forum, through the government mechanism, thus establishing the democratic sanctity of the constitution. Pare hydroelectric project is being constructed across the river Dikrong in the Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh, India to generate hydroelectricity. The project is currently under construction and has been evaluated for physical, chemical, ecological and socio economical elements in this case study. Sample pertaining to water, air and soil within a radius of 5 km is tested and results are analyzed. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is formulated, outlining preventive and curative strategies for minimizing adverse impacts during construction and operational phases of the project.

Keywords: EIA; ecology; hydroelectric; hydel; water; air; soil.