Towards ‘green growth’: Measuring the trade-off between conservation of protected areas and hydel power generation in an ecologically fragile hill state of Northern India

Himachal Pradesh has initiated a number of projects to tap its hydropower potential, some of which will submerge parts of protected areas. To examine the implications of moving towards “green growth”, this study examines the costs and benefits to the state if two hydel power plants in which reservoirs will submerge protected areas, including sanctuaries, are not undertaken. It estimates that the gain from conservation-based growth is considerable compared to the cost of going green.

Das, S., and K. Chopra. 2012. Towards ‘green growth’: Measuring the trade-off between conservation of protected areas and hydel power generation in an ecologically fragile hill state of Northern India.. Economic & Political Weekly XLVII: 51: 59-68.