Himachal’s Green Energy Push: A River’s Future Under Review

In a major stride toward cleaner and more responsible energy, the Himachal Pradesh government is launching a comprehensive study to understand how hydropower projects are affecting the Beas River Basin. Backed by a ₹2,000 crore World Bank grant, this initiative is part of a broader plan to make the state’s power sector more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious.

The Directorate of Energy will lead the effort, bringing in expert consultants to assess the long-term environmental and social impacts of both existing and upcoming hydropower projects. The goal? To strike a balance between energy generation and ecological preservation.

This cumulative impact assessment will help guide future decisions, ensuring that water resources are used sustainably and that local ecosystems are protected. Alongside this, a strategic advisory agency will be appointed to help reform energy policies, improve tariff structures, and integrate renewable sources more effectively.

To keep everything on track, a dedicated monitoring consultant will oversee the program’s progress, ensuring timely execution and accountability.

Himachal Pradesh already produces over 12,000 MW of hydroelectric power, much of it from river-based projects. But concerns have grown over ecological damage, disrupted river flows, and displaced communities. This new study aims to address those concerns head-on, offering science-backed solutions for a more balanced and responsible energy future.