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How can hydroelectric dams affect communities and ecosystems in the Ganges River basin?

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Physical map showing the Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage networks across northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Myanmar. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation, from the high Himalayas in brown and white to lowland plains in green, and marks major rivers, tributaries, glaciers, dams, irrigated areas, and regions subject to flooding. An inset locator map highlights the region within South Asia. — Ganges River The Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage network.

Hydroelectric dams in the Ganges River basin significantly impact both local communities and the surrounding environment. These projects, while providing essential hydroelectric power, irrigation, and drinking water, often face opposition due to their profound social and ecological consequences.123

Impact on Communities

Displacement: Large-scale projects, such as the Tehri Dam, have forced the relocation of tens of thousands of people, resulting in the loss of ancestral homes and livelihoods.1
Social and Religious Concerns: Damming tributaries of the Ganges—a river held sacred by Hindus—has caused significant distress among devotees who fear the dilution or degradation of the river’s holy waters.1
Disruption of Resources: Communities living near dams often face the loss of agricultural land and the disruption of established water supplies.2

Impact on Ecosystems

Habitat Destruction: Dams contribute to the destruction of both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats.2
Fragile Environments: Construction in regions prone to seismic activity, floods, and landslides poses risks to the stability of the local ecosystem.1
Hydrological Changes: Infrastructure like the Farakka Barrage can alter water flow, leading to issues such as silt deposition and saltwater intrusion, which further impact regional water availability.4