Power policy analyst raises concerns over pumped storage projects in India

By A Representative

In a detailed letter addressed to Sri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India, Shankar Sharma, a noted Power & Climate Policy Analyst, has raised critical concerns regarding the environmental and economic implications of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in India. The letter, copied to key dignitaries including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers for Power, New & Renewable Energy, and Finance, as well as the Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, references a recent High-Level Brainstorming Session on PSPs held in New Delhi, as reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

Sharma questions the absence of a comprehensive national energy policy and the lack of transparent, evidence-based deliberations on PSPs, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque (LTM) Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, where a 2,000 MW PSP is proposed. He argues that PSPs, which consume more energy than they generate, should not be treated as power generators but as non-essential loads with significant ecological costs. Highlighting the potential for irreversible environmental damage, especially in river valleys and wildlife sanctuaries, Sharma warns that widespread PSP implementation could exacerbate global warming and harm local ecosystems.

The analyst advocates for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as a techno-economically viable alternative, citing global trends of declining battery prices and successful large-scale BESS projects, including NTPC Green’s 130 MW/520 MWh BESS tender in Telangana. He questions why India’s energy policies appear to overlook BESS in favor of PSPs, despite the former’s faster deployment potential and lower environmental impact. Sharma also references international examples, such as Spain and South Australia, where BESS supports grids with high renewable energy penetration, urging Indian policymakers to learn from these models.

Criticizing the lack of stakeholder engagement, Sharma notes that civil society concerns have been consistently ignored, with no invitation extended to contribute to the brainstorming session despite multiple representations. He calls for a diligent cost-benefit analysis of PSPs versus BESS, transparent policy formulation, and greater inclusion of civil society in strategic energy decisions to ensure sustainable development.

Sharma concludes by requesting the Ministry of Power to share highlights and decisions from the brainstorming session, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of all sections of society, including flora, fauna, and the environment.

Comments

Delhi Jal Board under fire as CAG finds 55% groundwater unfit for consumption

By A Representative A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audit report tabled in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on 7 January 2026 has revealed alarming lapses in the quality and safety of drinking water supplied by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), raising serious public health concerns for residents of the capital.

Advocacy group decries 'hyper-centralization' as States’ share of health funds plummets

By A Representative In a major pre-budget mobilization, the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), India’s leading public health advocacy network, has issued a sharp critique of the Union government’s health spending and demanded a doubling of the health budget for the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year.

Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar’s views on religion as Tagore’s saw them

By Harasankar Adhikari Religion has become a visible subject in India’s public discourse, particularly where it intersects with political debate. Recent events, including a mass Gita chanting programme in Kolkata and other incidents involving public expressions of faith, have drawn attention to how religion features in everyday life. These developments have raised questions about the relationship between modern technological progress and traditional religious practice.

Stands 'exposed': Cavalier attitude towards rushed construction of Char Dham project

By Bharat Dogra* The nation heaved a big sigh of relief when the 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel (Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand) were finally rescued on November 28 after a 17-day rescue effort. All those involved in the rescue effort deserve a big thanks of the entire country. The government deserves appreciation for providing all-round support.

Jayanthi Natarajan "never stood by tribals' rights" in MNC Vedanta's move to mine Niyamigiri Hills in Odisha

By A Representative The Odisha Chapter of the Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), which played a vital role in the struggle for the enactment of historic Forest Rights Act, 2006 has blamed former Union environment minister Jaynaynthi Natarjan for failing to play any vital role to defend the tribals' rights in the forest areas during her tenure under the former UPA government. Countering her recent statement that she rejected environmental clearance to Vendanta, the top UK-based NMC, despite tremendous pressure from her colleagues in Cabinet and huge criticism from industry, and the claim that her decision was “upheld by the Supreme Court”, the CSD said this is simply not true, and actually she "disrespected" FRA.

Pairing not with law but with perpetrators: Pavlovian response to lynchings in India

By Vikash Narain Rai* Lynch-law owes its name to James Lynch, the legendary Warden of Galway, Ireland, who tried, condemned and executed his own son in 1493 for defrauding and killing strangers. But, today, what kind of a person will justify the lynching for any reason whatsoever? Will perhaps resemble the proverbial ‘wrong man to meet at wrong road at night!’

Zhou Enlai: The enigmatic premier who stabilized chaos—at what cost?

By Harsh Thakor* Zhou Enlai (1898–1976) served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 1949 until his death and as Foreign Minister from 1949 to 1958. He played a central role in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for over five decades, contributing to its organization, military efforts, diplomacy, and governance. His tenure spanned key events including the Long March, World War II alliances, the founding of the PRC, the Korean War, and the Cultural Revolution.

'Threat to farmers’ rights': New seeds Bill sparks fears of rising corporate control

By Bharat Dogra As debate intensifies over a new seeds bill, groups working on farmers’ seed rights, seed sovereignty and rural self-reliance have raised serious concerns about the proposed legislation. To understand these anxieties, it is important to recognise a global trend: growing control of the seed sector by a handful of multinational companies. This trend risks extending corporate dominance across food and farming systems, jeopardising the livelihoods and rights of small farmers and raising serious ecological and health concerns. The pending bill must be assessed within this broader context.

Climate advocates face scrutiny as India expands coal dependence

By A Representative The National Alliance for Climate and Environmental Justice (NACEJ) has strongly criticized what it described as coercive actions against climate activists Harjeet Singh and Sanjay Vashisht, following enforcement raids reportedly carried out on the basis of alleged violations of foreign exchange regulations and intelligence inputs.

Search This Blog