In the context of energy obtained from hydro-electricity power projects, India has to address the policy lag present in the climate change policies. Discuss (200 Words)
Refer - Financial Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 4 years
KEY POINTS
A 2019 study published in Science Advances spanning 40 years of satellite observation of swathes of India, China, Nepal and Bhutan had warned of climate-change related shrinking of Himalayan glaciers.
The study found that, since 2000, glaciers have been facing twice the amount of annual ice-loss that they did between 1975 and 2000.
Hydel projects
· In the 2013 floods in the state, scientists had raised questions over the assessment of environmental impact of such projects and their role in exacerbating natural disasters.
· The role of unplanned development was also flagged in Kerala floods of 2018 and the Kashmir floods of 2015.
· A Supreme Court appointed committee, as per media reports, had warned against hydel projects over an altitude of 2,000 metres, saying such developments could result in disasters.
· It had recommended the cancellation of 23 out of 24 projects under way at the time.
· Without reassessing the environmental cost of development more so in hilly regions, India is likely to see more such disasters.
· States and the Centre need to take a long-term approach on infrastructure project-planning.
Measures to address policy lag
· Environment impact assessment should be considered serious in hilly regions.
· Public hearings should be conducted and the minutes of the hearing has to be put in public domain.
· Mapping of vulnerable areas and choosing the least disruptive, least environmentally-exacting course of action, even if it means dedicating significantly higher resources.
Saravanan 4 years
Pls provide feedback
IAS Parliament 4 years
Avoid writing general points, try to support your answer with data. Keep Writing.
Dev 4 years
Please Review and Provide Feedback
IAS Parliament 4 years
Benefits and disadvantages not required, avoid writing general points. Keep Writing.
