Flash Floods Devastate Hydroelectric Projects in Himachal Pradesh

At least 14 hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh have sustained significant damage due to flash floods since July 25. Experts are urging for disaster risk analyses before project initiation, emphasizing the need for robust disaster management plans and early warning systems to mitigate future risks.

Flash floods have wreaked havoc on at least 14 hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh since July 25, according to a new analysis. The recurring damage has led experts to call for comprehensive disaster risk analyses before the projects are undertaken, along with the formulation of robust disaster management plans and the installation of early warning systems and flood forecast stations.

The South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP) reported that two hydroelectric projects, the 2-megawatt Pinnacle HEP on the Serai river and the 9-MW Beas Kund HEP on the Beas river, suffered significant damage due to a cloudburst-induced flash flood on the night of July 25-26.

Analysis indicates that 12 more hydroelectric projects were damaged between July 29 and August 1 in the Kullu and Shimla districts. The floods have rendered all 14 projects non-operational, leading to significant power generation losses, with experts highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to global warming as a major contributing factor.

(With inputs from agencies.)