Answer

The South Lhonak glacial lake in Sikkim burst, causing a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that claimed 55 lives and destroyed the 1,200 MW Teesta III hydropower plant. GLOFs occur when glacial lakes suddenly release water due to ice or moraine dam failure, posing a severe risk to Himalayan infrastructure amid climate change-induced instability.

Exposure of Hydropower Vulnerabilities in the Himalayan Region

• Dam Infrastructure Fragility: The Teesta-3 dam collapse highlighted the structural weakness of large hydropower projects in geologically unstable, high-risk, and climate-sensitive glacial regions.
  For example: The GLOF carried dam debris downstream, intensifying destruction, displacing thousands, and affecting people across multiple districts in Sikkim.
• Unpredictable Climate-Induced Events: Traditional hydrological and meteorological models failed to anticipate extreme events like the Sikkim flood, exposing serious gaps in long-term disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
  For example: Local weather stations recorded only moderate rainfall, yet the flood impact was catastrophic due to glacial moraine collapse, triggering landslides and flash floods.
• Lack of Effective Early Warning Systems: The disaster exposed the inadequacy of warning mechanisms, limited predictive capabilities, and poor communication networks, leaving communities and infrastructure vulnerable to sudden high-intensity floods.
  For example: The South Lhonak lake’s moraine collapse was undetected, giving authorities little time for mass evacuation and mitigation measures.
• Multiplier Effect of Climate Change: Increased glacial melt, rising temperatures, expanding lakes, and erratic monsoons heighten risks of future GLOFs and large-scale ecological destruction, making large dams even more vulnerable.
  For example: The number of glacial lakes in the Himalayas increased by 10.8%, and their surface area expanded by 33.7% between 2011 and 2024, escalating risk factors.
• Secondary Disasters from Infrastructure Failure: The domino effect of dam destruction, riverbank erosion, sediment accumulation, and landslides led to massive downstream flooding, worsening socio-economic losses and environmental damage.

Rationale for Large Dam Projects in the Himalayas

• Renewable Energy Generation: Hydropower is a clean, low-carbon, and sustainable energy source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, and meeting India’s growing electricity demand.
  For example: The Teesta-3 project had a 1,200 MW installed capacity, contributing significantly to Sikkim’s renewable energy production and power grid stability.
• Water Resource Management: Dams help in flood regulation, irrigation, hydroelectric generation, and long-term water storage, ensuring water security for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use in vulnerable regions.
  For example: The Bhakra Nangal Dam supports irrigation across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, ensuring year-round crop production and drought resilience.
• Economic and Social Development: Large dam projects create direct employment, improve infrastructure, promote tourism, and boost state revenues, benefiting local communities and overall regional economic growth.
  For example: The Tehri Dam project enhanced road networks, hydropower capacity, and employment opportunities, increasing Uttarakhand’s economic development and connectivity.
• Energy Export Potential: Himalayan states can export surplus power to energy-deficient regions, fostering interstate cooperation, economic growth, and reduced reliance on imported energy sources.
  For example: Bhutan’s hydropower exports to India contribute over 25% of its GDP, strengthening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations with India.
• Strategic National Interest: Dams near border areas enhance India’s energy security, water sovereignty, and strategic influence, preventing China’s control over upstream Himalayan river flows.
  For example: The Arunachal Pradesh hydropower projects counter China’s dam-building initiatives on the Brahmaputra River, securing India’s water rights.

Challenges in the Feasibility of Large Dams in the Himalayan Region

• Geological and Seismic Instability: The Himalayas are highly prone to earthquakes, landslides, glacial movements, and erosion, increasing risks of dam collapse, structural failures, and large-scale disasters.
  For example: The 2015 Nepal earthquake severely damaged hydropower structures, exposing seismic vulnerabilities in Himalayan infrastructure projects.
• Unpredictable Climate-Induced Disasters: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts, and erratic monsoons can overwhelm existing dam designs, making long-term viability and risk management extremely difficult.
  For example: The Kedarnath floods (2013) devastated infrastructure, proving extreme weather events can surpass projected safety thresholds.
• Ecological and Biodiversity Loss: Large dams submerge forests, disrupt river ecosystems, block fish migration, and destroy wildlife habitats, leading to biodiversity loss and irreversible environmental damage.
  For example: The Subansiri Dam project in Arunachal Pradesh threatens riverine species, including endangered Gangetic dolphins and migratory fish populations.
• Displacement and Social Conflicts: Dam construction leads to forced evictions, land dispossession, loss of ancestral livelihoods, and cultural erosion, sparking resistance movements and long-term rehabilitation challenges..
• High Financial and Maintenance Costs: Frequent repairs, sedimentation, environmental mitigation, and climate adaptation measures increase operational costs, making hydropower less competitive and economically unviable.
  For example: The Kishanganga Hydropower Project in J&K faced cost overruns due to landslides, siltation, and power tariff escalations.

Way Ahead

• Diversifying Energy Sources: Encourage decentralized solar, wind, and small-scale hydro projects to reduce reliance on large dams, enhance energy security, and promote climate-friendly solutions.
  For example: Ladakh’s hybrid solar-wind energy projects supply sustainable electricity with minimal environmental impact and community participation.
• Strengthening Climate Resilience: Improve dam design, flood drainage capacity, disaster mitigation strategies, and sediment control systems to withstand climate-induced extreme weather events.
  For example: Teesta-3 2.0’s upgraded spillway and reinforced concrete structure aim to handle higher flood volumes and enhance structural stability.
• Early Warning and Monitoring Systems: Deploy AI-based real-time glacial lake monitoring, satellite tracking, predictive analytics, and localized alert systems to reduce response time during potential disasters.
  For example: Bhutan’s GLOF early warning system integrates remote sensing, allowing villages to evacuate safely before flash floods occur.
• Community-Centric Development: Ensure local participation, livelihood restoration, fair compensation, and sustainable economic alternatives for dam-affected populations to prevent displacement-related conflicts.
• Strict Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Enforce scientific, independent EIAs incorporating climate risk assessments, glacial lake monitoring, and ecological impact studies before greenlighting dam projects.
  For example: Norway’s hydropower regulations mandate strict environmental impact studies, ensuring long-term sustainability and ecological balance.

Considering the inherent seismic activity, increasing frequency of GLOFs, and the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas, the feasibility of large dam projects in this region is highly questionable. Prioritizing alternative energy solutions, such as pumped storage hydropower, and implementing comprehensive environmental impact assessments are essential steps toward achieving sustainable energy development while preserving the delicate Himalayan environment.

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