Hydropower promoters suggested to be sensitive to ecosystem, social management

KATHMANDU: Hydropower promoters have been suggested to be sensitive to environmental studies and social management while developing hydropower projects. Participants at the interaction held on climate change, environmental studies and social management at Himalayan Hydro Expo, suggested the need to be sensitive to the ecosystem and social management to ensure sustainable returns on investment in the hydro projects. Manish Raj Pandey, Senior Conservation Officer at National Trust for Nature Conservation, said the effects of climate change will be more challenging in future. He said most of the hydropower projects in Nepal are constructed in hilly areas where it is necessary to conserve nature, so the development and environment have to be taken forward in a balanced manner. Highlighting the importance of aquatic life, he stressed the need to make action plans based on past lessons for the future. According to water utilisation policy, the promoters have to be sensitive to proper management of water and the socio-economic environment when it comes to river basin-based power development, Pandey said. Likewise, CEO of Sanima Mai Hydropower, Subarna Das Shrestha, opined that we have been suffering damage from climate change since we have not given priority to environmental and social issues. "Now we have to think not only about investment in hydropower but also about the environment and social management. Our project and its outcome will be sustainable only after including the local participation,” he said. Similarly, Managing Director at Dolma Impact Fund, Bidhyabaridhi Sigdel, urged hydropower promoters to pay special attention to the preparation of global standard reports to attract foreign investment. He said that some promoters were not successful as they sought investment only through licenses. He also pointed out the need to make a difference in the approach of the local community. "We are intruding into the ecology of other living beings by making plans in our own way. We are also interfering in the lives of locals. We even try to change the course of the river which causes problems to local residents,” He said. Sharad Tuladhar, Chief Risk Officer at NMB Bank, expected a positive role of government bodies in managing the environment and social aspects. READ ALSO:

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