As part of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the Centre for Environment Protection (CEP), Mizoram organised a one-day public hearing on May 22, 2002 at Aizawl on the issue of biodiversity conservation with reference to hydel projects. NGOs, government departments and the media participated. Rothuama Sailo, Team Assistant Secretary, CEP, during his keynote address pointed out flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and clearance process and recommended mini/micro-hydel projects and renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar energy rather than big dams. K. Guite, Superintending Engineer, Power and Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram pointed out that the state was endowed with vast hydro power potential – up to 2,425 MW. He also stated
the power potential developed in the state as of today was 8.20 MW only while the peak demand was around 90 MW. He pointed to ongoing hydel projects of Mizoram such as the Maicham Phase II small hydel project, Lamsial small hydel project, Serlui 'B' small hydel project, etc. and their likely impact on biodiversity. Aside from Serlui 'B', no adverse biodiversity impacts were expected and for Serlui, the conditions set out in the clearance for forests and environment were strictly followed and fulfilled in all aspects and the affected villagers were rehabilitated. He also mentioned that his department had already deposited Rs. 170.14 lakhs with the forest department for compensatory afforestation.
B.V. Chhuana, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Environment and Forests Department spoke about Tuirial hydel project and its impact on biodiversity in detail, and stated that the catchment area of the project covered 1,861 sq. km. and was very rich in biodiversity. He elaborated that no rare and endangered wildlife, including birds, were found in the submergence area of Tuirial dam. It "only supported wildlife like sambar, barking deer, snake, etc." He mentioned that a large number of animals from the dam site had migrated towards the adjoining forests of Mauchar, which is linked to the Buhban hill outside Mizoram. In the discussion that followed, the following points emerged:
- The state has vast hydro power potential. However, due to the potential of detrimental impacts on environment by hydel projects, the development of power potential in the state should be local need-based only.
- Alternatives such as wind energy, solar energy, micro hydel and run-of-the-river projects need to be explored more seriously.
- Big dams should not be encouraged and hydel projects should not be built in ecologically sensitive areas.
- To ensure sustainable development, the EIA process must be taken more seriously.
- The implementing agency should strictly adhere to the conditions set out in the environmental clearance letter.
- Expenditure incurred for compensatory afforestation (CA) should be evaluated and monitored strictly and there should be transparency to ensure that expenditure being incurred is for CA and not anything else.
- There should be a good coordination between the implementing agency and the state environment and forest department.
- Local NGOs and consultants should be utilised for biodiversity assessment, EIA, etc. of the projects rather than NGOs and consultants from outside Mizoram.
(Extracted from the proceedings of the public hearing on biodiversity conservation with reference to hydel projects).