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When we want to build a hydro dam we must look over 98 years or more, would the dam still be viable after that many years, what would be a better option for long term sustainable development? Would the hydropower industry help sustainable development? For example Nepal may get very rich by selling the power to India, will that money give jobs to more people in the country? The best is to go for small and micro hydro schemes where we have low cost, low maintenance and maximum benefits instead of dreaming about hydro dollars. Most of the big streams and river have been registered in private companies' name, almost no river or stream left, any profit on these will go to private companies. With this process the richer will become richer and poorer will be much poorer. Our people must realise that our natural resources (Jal, Jamin and Jungle) belongs to the people of this nation not only to handful rich people. In the past it has a trained for politicians and policy makers thinking of bigger the dam, bigger the investment and bigger the commission, the nation cannot afford to have another mistake. On the other hand this will also create severe problems in nature. The perfect example is the burning flood situation in low land Tarai, most of it is men made disaster rather then natural one because of the dam in Indian side and deforestation we have done in our country.
Nepal needs to develop a long term vision with a specific plan to carry on in its mission to manage the natural resources for the benefit of our people. When looking at developing the hydropower the Govt. should consider dividing Nepal into 3 different zones.
– Leave one of the rivers untouched from East Nepal Tamor. The rest of the tributaries: Indarwati, Tamba Koshi, Arun and the Tamur can be built on. While building these dams the local tourism and ecology must be considered.
– From Kali Gandaki, Mardi, Marshyangdi to Trisuli can be developed for Hydro Power but leave Madi alone (flows along Tanhu Dist.)
– The last free flowing river in Nepal the Karnali (Humala Karnali to Bardia) should be declared as our Himalayan River Heritage. Other tributaries of Karnali such as Mugu karnali, Seti, Lohare, Tila and Bheri as well as in far west the bordering river Mahakali can be developed for Hydroelectric.
• The latest data shows that Nepal has got over 6,000 rivers and streams which have got hydropower potential. And it has got the capacity of developing 83,000 Megawatt electricity, if we save those three rivers recommended one (Karnali, Madi and Tamor) we may have 10,000 Megawatt less but we still will have 73,000 remaining power which we never need them. If all these studies are true then what is the problem of keeping all these three rivers free flown in Nepal for our future generations.
Keeping the above in consideration the best policy Nepal Govt. MUST enforce in order to flourish both industries (whitewater rafting and adventure tourism and Hydro industries) would be no dames to be built below 1100 mtr. From sea level on popular rafting rivers and this is very possible. All most all our river expedition’s start below 1100 metres elevation and most of our river comes from 7,000 meters. This can be only way to sustain both industries Adventure Tourism and Hydropower industries together without displacing one another.
The very recent problem we are facing at the moment is The Middle Bhote Koshi hydro project where Chileme Hydro Power Company wants to build dam which is the most popular rafting stretch. In fact this stretch of the River considers the world class river for white water rafting and kayaking and among the best 10 in the world. The brand name Bhotekoshi for rafting is renown in the adventure world as good as Annapurna and Everest for Trekking. The river is located in Sindhupalchok District along the Arniko Highway; the only highway joins the Chinese Border and only 3 hrs. Away from Kathmandu. The highway carries the traffic of over 30,000 tourists every year and the only border to bring thousands of Chinese tourist in near future. This river stretch must be protected, it will be such shame especially when this district has got already 5 hydro dames and has got lot of potential of micro hydro. This district needs other sustainable development then the hydro development. It is like for the shake of wealth and development demolishing Dharara and Durbar Square and building huge shopping mole or destroying natural world heritage Chitawan for the shake of Development. The country most is thoughtful and think long term before it gets too late.
We are not against the dam or Development but since we have 6000 rivers and streams which have got the hydro potential why not consider going other river? Why one industry should kill another industry?
Megh Ale
Founder/President
Nepal River Conservation Trust
nrct@wlink.com.np, nepalrivers@gmail.com
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