Shun Plus Size Projects, Adopt Size Ziro For Northeast Hills

In the first instalment of this series, on the need to balance infrastructure development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem with long-term sustainability, we had focussed on Uttarakhand. In this one, we focus on the eastern and northeastern Himalayan region that runs across the states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

The strategic location of the region, its vast, untapped natural resources, both above and under the ground, and lack of economic opportunities for the local populace, have prompted successive central and state governments to pursue construction of large-scale projects, including hydel plants, all-weather roads and major defence bases and installations.

Push For Hydroelectricity

However, these measures have raised serious concerns for the delicate ecosystem and socio-cultural uniqueness of these states. The rapid development, often sanctioned without due diligence, regularly bypass environmental safeguards and fail to address the needs of local communities, feel experts.

The tremendous hydel potential of these states can be gauged from the fact that Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for nearly 50,064 MW of India’s total estimated capacity of 1,45,320 MW.

Projects like the Subansiri Lower, Kameng, Pare, Doyang, Tuirial, Mygtdu, Chujachen, Rangit-4, Jorethang, Bhasmey, Tashiding, Dikchu, Rangit 2, and multiple Teesta projects, among many others, have become the face of India’s renewable energy push. However, these projects come at an environmental cost.

A study by the South Asia Network on dams, rivers and people found out that these hydropower projects have severely disrupted river ecosystems, augmented sedimentation, and displaced local communities. 

Protests from Assam-based organisations like the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), which cited safety concerns in the earthquake-prone region, has led to stalling of the Subansiri Lower project a number of times.

Sikkim, home to numerous such projects, has witnessed widespread deforestation and the resultant loss of biodiversity. The Teesta 3 project has altered the river’s flow which has severely affected agricultural communities further downstream.

Development, Deforestation, Destabilisation

Infrastructure projects often lead to deforestation, destabilising slopes and exacerbating landslides and floods. Arunachal Pradesh has lost 539 square km of forest cover between 2021 and 2023.

According to the Global Forest Watch, Arunachal Pradesh lost 2,620 sq km, Nagaland 2,590 sq km, Mizoram 3,120 sq km and Manipur 2,400 sq km between 2001 and 2023 due to road construction and dam projects, which led to rampant clearing of forests, encroachments and shifting of agriculture to forested areas when areas which were being cultivated and were inhabited were acquired for the mega projects.

In Sikkim, a glacial lake outburst in October 2023 caused devastating floods that killed over 100 people, affected tens of thousands of people and led to the collapse of the Teesta 3 hydroelectric dam. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of such ecosystems to large-scale development projects like no other.

In fact, the World Meteorological Organisation’s State of the Climate Asia 2023 report rated it as one of the worst climate-related disasters to have occurred in Asia last year. 

The Etalin hydel power project which will require clearing of 1,165 hectares of forest land will lead to major biodiversity loss in Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, experts have warned, putting 21 mammal species and around 230 bird species in danger. The project involves the core natural habitat of endangered species like the Mishmi Takin.

Mining For Limestone, Uranium, Coal

Mining is also another significant determinant in upsetting the Himalayan ecological system in the Northeast. In Meghalaya, Khasi and Garo tribals have resisted large-scale limestone mining by corporations like Lafarge and other companies like Star Cement. These activities have stripped hillsides bare, exacerbating landslides, and groundwater has been thoroughly polluted. 

Another mining activity in the eye of the storm has been over uranium mining in Domiasiat in Meghalaya. The protests predate this century and have occasionally turned violent. The locals are fearful of the effect of the radioactive material on their health, agriculture and animal husbandry but the Government of India is adamant in its position that uranium reserves are national property and no one can stop the government from using the same.

The protests over this issue is actually nearing 50 years but till date, there has been no attempts at resolution by both parties, the government and the protesters.

These are just two such instances. There are numerous other ones including the issue of illegal coal mines which operate throughout the northeastern states.

The Defence Conundrum

There is hardly any doubt that given India’s turbulent relationship with China over border disputes, the recent souring of relationship with Bangladesh and the proximity of the Siliguri "chicken's neck corridor" to the region, this region is of immense strategic importance.

This has intensified the need for upgrading existing and creating new defence infrastructure. Projects like the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road are aimed to improve movement of troops and equipment along sensitive borders in Arunachal Pradesh. However, such projects often encroach on pristine forests and disrupt wildlife corridors.

Airbases, advanced landing grounds and helipads are the key to quick deployment of men and equipment in high-altitude areas. They are also crucial for uninterrupted supplies. However, since such projects require vast flat lands, they often alter the topography which in turn alters the natural drainage patterns and increases soil erosion.

But this is a matter of national security which can’t be neglected but utmost care must be taken at the planning stage so as to disturb the ecological balance as little as possible.

Small Is Beautiful

The first step towards searching for sustainable alternatives for large-scale infrastructure projects and a way to balance development and environmental preservation are comprehensive and rigorous environmental impact assessment (EIA) with community participation. A decentralised approach should be helpful for local ecological and social needs to align with the broader development goals.

Small is beautiful and smaller community-driven and owned projects should be encouraged rather than massive dams which alter river flow, disturb the ground and displace people, not to forget the flooding, landslides and other forms of calamities they bring with them sooner or later. 

Micro-hydropower projects which do not cause massive ecological disruption can be looked at. While building new roads, focus should remain on minimum alteration of topography and slope. Deforestation has to be minimised by intelligent design.

Eco-tourism and organic farming can be encouraged as it will preserve the indigenous people’s culture and way of life while providing them with employment. This will reduce reliance on activities such as illegal mining. The Apatani tribals in Arunachal Pradesh have successfully preserved their traditional fish-and-rice agricultural practice while attracting tourists to Ziro.

Prioritising Sustainability

Policy frameworks have to be strengthened and the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) should be implemented with stricter oversight to ensure that projects prioritise sustainability and strictly abide by rules, laws and sanctioned plans.

The northeastern Himalayan region literally stands at a crossroads. Rapid infrastructure development in the name of growth and national security without paying any heed to ecological concerns may lead to severe ecological degradation and social upheaval.

But a slow, balanced approach that integrates sustainable practices and community involvement will allow the region achieve its pressing developmental goals while preserving its precious natural treasures and cultural heritage.

(The writer is a sustainability and local culture advocate who has worked in senior editorial roles across Indian and foreign media. He is also the author of the novel General Firebrand And His Red Atlas. Views are personal)