CEA approval of six hydro pumped storage projects disregards ecological impacts in biodiversity hotspots

By A Representative 

Power and climate policy analyst Shankar Sharma has written to the Chairperson of NITI Aayog and the Prime Minister, expressing deep concerns over recent energy sector decisions. In his letter, Sharma criticized the Central Electricity Authority's (CEA) approval of six hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs) totaling 7.5 GW in FY25, and the Principal Scientific Advisor's advocacy for nuclear energy.

Sharma argues that the CEA's approval of hydro PSPs demonstrates a disregard for ecological impacts, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Himalayas. He asserts that no comprehensive public policy paper addresses the significant environmental costs associated with these projects. "It is highly unlikely that scores of such hydro pumped storage project proposals, which are all likely to be in the river valleys, have even been considered from the perspective of the huge ecological damages on the associated biodiversity and on the riverine ecology," he stated.

Furthermore, Sharma challenged the Principal Scientific Advisor's support for nuclear energy, highlighting the lack of diligent studies on its relevance to India, including cost-benefit analyses, waste disposal issues, and potential risks to communities. He pointed out the absence of accountability and satisfactory explanations from authorities regarding civil society concerns.

"Without a diligent study of the true relevance of nuclear energy to India from various perspectives of the overall welfare to our people, especially w.r.t the costs/ risks to our communities, inconsistency of the same from self reliance perspective, the issues associated with the waste disposal/ accidents etc. which have never been addressed by our authorities, such a continued advocacy cannot be in the interest of our country," Sharma wrote.

He lamented the absence of a cohesive National Energy Policy, leading to fragmented efforts by government agencies and accelerated environmental degradation. Sharma emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, referencing the UN Secretary General's warning about the critical 18-month window for climate action.

"Diverting thick, natural, tropical rain forests in global biodiversity hotspots, such as in Western Ghats and Himalayas, at a time when the forest & tree cover in the country is alarmingly below the national forest policy target, will only worsen this already grave scenario," he warned.

Sharma called upon the government to adopt rational and cohesive policies that prioritize sustainable and green energy pathways, urging them to implement the "sub ka saath, sub ka vikas, sub ka vishwas, sub ka prayas" slogan with genuine commitment. He attached several documents detailing his concerns, which have been raised over the past decade.