Evaluating Community Perceptions of the Socio-Economic, Environmental and Hydrological Impacts of Hydropower in Sainj Valley, Kullu

Abstract

Hydropower is a major source of renewable energy for sustainable development especially in mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh. This study assessed the community perceptions of Sainj Hydropower Project addressing its socio-economic, environmental and hydrological impacts. A questionnaire survey of 304 respondents was conducted using a random sampling method and analysed using statistical methods in SPSS. The findings revealed diverse socio-economic impacts with majority of respondents reporting improved livelihoods (64.8%) along with enhanced infrastructure due to tourism (80.9%) and road connectivity (72.7%) however minimal employment generation (2.0%). Meanwhile considerable environmental concerns were highlighted including increased pollution (76.6%), soil erosion (77%), altered water flow (74.7%), deforestation (61.8%) and disturbance to aquatic ecosystems (71.1%) and wildlife (68.8%). Composite score analysis showed high environmental (2.53 ± 0.45), developmental (2.58 ± 0.56) and hydrological (2.54 ± 0.39) impacts however moderate socio-economic impact (2.16 ± 0.62). The statistical results further showed that the demographic factors like gender and education did not influence people’s perceptions. Therefore the study overall underlines the need for more balanced planning in this eco-sensitive zone. Thus this survey based study highlights the need for monitoring programmes to ensure balance socioeconomic benefits for the community with the conservation of Himalayan environment.

Keywords: Socio-economic, Hydropower, SDG, People’s perception, Environmental monitoring programme, Sustainability

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/16-2-05

Publication date: September 28^th 2026