(a) the number of hydro-electric projects on the river Ganga and its tributaries which
are under construction at present;
(b) whether the Government has made any study to evaluate the impact of these projects
on the flow of water in river Ganga and its tributaries as well as the effect on ecology;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps being taken for ensuring the smooth flow of the river and to protect the
environment?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) At present, eight Hydro Electric Projects (HEPs) with an installed capacity of 2351 MW are
under construction on the river Ganga and its tributaries. The details are given at Annex.
(b) & (c) To assess the cumulative impact of HEPs including impact on flow of water, riverine
eco-system and land & aquatic bio-diversity, the Ministry of Environment & Forests has got two
studies conducted through Wild-Life Institute of India, Dehradun and IIT, Roorkee.
(d) The Ministry of Environment & Forests accords environment & forest clearances to HEPs as
per defined procedures, laid-down through various Notifications, issued by them from time to
time. Those clearances are based on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies / Environment
Management Plan (EMP) including specific studies mentioned above wherein issues concerning
environment Impact, impact on bio-diversity, environmental flow, rehabilitation & resettlement
are adequately addressed.