Comments on: The power of corporate greed in Himachal http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun News, Views, Information, Opinions, Travel, Tourism and everything else! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:49:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Bandana http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-610498 Bandana Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:24:13 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-610498 Dear Mr. Arun Shrivastava, I am glad you’ve put in a great deal of efforts in putting together this article. However, I am saddened that your hard work and research has only yield negative aspect of Small Hydro Projects. Climate change is a global phenomenon, and the biggest contributors to Green House emmission are the Developed Countries. Rapid melting of Arctic Glacier is not because of Himachal coming up with SHP projects, but the Global industrialization. Has any environmentalist ever walked from their home to the international event fearing he would contribute to Carbon Emission or eaten raw food thinking buring gas is not emission free either?? My friend, the problem does not end with you or I crying wolves, or selling the heard fearing of loosing sheep to the predators !! It would be wise to engage sheep dogs to keep the wolves at bay and continue making a living with the heard. If we are to conduct a field study of deforestation in Himachal in the last 30 years, you will find that it is to make room for cultivation to meed the growing demand. Hydro Projects only account to a nominal percentage of it. So, what I feel would be wise is to form a support group to work with all the parties concerned (Governement/Project Developer/Local Community) and find a way to mutually benefit everyone, without compromising on environment. And make sure that the money collected by the Government for LADA or compulsary aforestation is well spent within the affected are and for the said purpose only. Dear Mr. Arun Shrivastava,

I am glad you’ve put in a great deal of efforts in putting together this article. However, I am saddened that your hard work and research has only yield negative aspect of Small Hydro Projects.

Climate change is a global phenomenon, and the biggest contributors to Green House emmission are the Developed Countries. Rapid melting of Arctic Glacier is not because of Himachal coming up with SHP projects, but the Global industrialization. Has any environmentalist ever walked from their home to the international event fearing he would contribute to Carbon Emission or eaten raw food thinking buring gas is not emission free either??

My friend, the problem does not end with you or I crying wolves, or selling the heard fearing of loosing sheep to the predators !! It would be wise to engage sheep dogs to keep the wolves at bay and continue making a living with the heard.

If we are to conduct a field study of deforestation in Himachal in the last 30 years, you will find that it is to make room for cultivation to meed the growing demand. Hydro Projects only account to a nominal percentage of it.

So, what I feel would be wise is to form a support group to work with all the parties concerned (Governement/Project Developer/Local Community) and find a way to mutually benefit everyone, without compromising on environment. And make sure that the money collected by the Government for LADA or compulsary aforestation is well spent within the affected are and for the said purpose only.

]]> By: arun shrivastava http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-441015 arun shrivastava Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:20:33 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-441015 Thanks for all the good words about this article. As some have pointed out, what can anyone do when the enemy is within! It is not only the Government and their officers. Please remember that our own home-grown activists, some NOT all, are as much responsible for for this..because they believe in "compromise.' hey are right there in Himachal. How could the people ever fight a war when the Foxes are are guarding the hen? Arun Shrivastava Thanks for all the good words about this article. As some have pointed out, what can anyone do when the enemy is within!
It is not only the Government and their officers. Please remember that our own home-grown activists, some NOT all, are as much responsible for for this..because they believe in “compromise.’ hey are right there in Himachal. How could the people ever fight a war when the Foxes are are guarding the hen?
Arun Shrivastava

]]> By: KAMAL http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-117160 KAMAL Mon, 08 Oct 2007 04:08:27 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-117160 Thanks for educative FACTS . Why can´s the Govt of HP Scarp all Hydr-Electric projects and concentarte of other methods of Power productions ? All the outsider pvt firms or even himachalis who are REALLY keen for the Power production should venture out to the upper ranges of himalayas and set up Cement plants or power production through Wind energy but at uppre himalayas where living condtions are tough. Set up WIND ENERGY parks at areas beyound Routang pass and see how many will come ? These JOKERS wnat to set up industries and power projects in the comfortable localitie and pullute the Kuhls and drain out our lovely riversand destry the BEAUTY of NATURE alongwith bringing other ill effects as listed in the artcles Invite tenders ONLY to set up POWER PLANTS at greater hights of himalaya and see how Himalaya treats or ill treats these JOKERS !!!!! Regards KAMAL Thanks for educative FACTS . Why can´s the Govt of HP Scarp all Hydr-Electric projects and concentarte of other methods of Power productions ? All the outsider pvt firms or even himachalis who are REALLY keen for the Power production should venture out to the upper ranges of himalayas and set up Cement plants or power production through Wind energy but at uppre himalayas where living condtions are tough. Set up WIND ENERGY parks at areas beyound Routang pass and see how many will come ? These JOKERS wnat to set up industries and power projects in the comfortable localitie and pullute the Kuhls and drain out our lovely riversand destry the BEAUTY of NATURE alongwith bringing other ill effects as listed in the artcles

Invite tenders ONLY to set up POWER PLANTS at greater hights of himalaya and see how Himalaya treats or ill treats these JOKERS !!!!!

Regards

KAMAL

]]> By: Vishal Singal http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-39134 Vishal Singal Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:39:47 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-39134 No one is REALLY CONCERNED about environmental impact of hydel power projects or for the matter any other work until and unless one is not directly affected. The State Govt. recently advertised as you have mentioned about 150 small hydel projects for allotment to private sector and in which there is reservation for projects upto 2 MW to Himachalis and preference for projects of other capacities to Himachalis. Now if the Bona fide Himachalis would really be concerned about environmental impact of projects then the state government would not have received about 1200 application from bona fide Himachalis for allotment and implementation of such projects. It is same situation like "if I have a project then all is well" and "if an outsider is implementing a project then there is an issue about environmental concern and other local problems". Secondly even the State Government is a Party to what I would call "Small Hydel Power Projects Allotment SCAM". It had lastly allotted about 70 Small Hydel Project and out of which about 30 projects to "Himachalis" Illegally and Arbitrarily. Since the applications for allotment were pending since the year 2004-2005 and imore than 225 applications were received, it arbitrarily applied the reservation clause under the new power policy to even applications which were pending for the last 2-3 years giving undue benefit to "Bonafide Himachalis" thereby allotting them around 30 projects arbitrarily and illegally. That time there is "NO CONCERN" ? The New Power Policy and reservation to Himachali is thus applied to applications which were pending for allotment much prior to any such policy, thereby giving undue benefit to 30 Himachalis project. The proximity of these allottees with the high ups in political circles is being cited as one of the reason. And moreover the Small Hydel Projects which were recently advertised by the State Govt are the same Illegally rejected applications and the projects being identified by various other IPP's out of the above 225 applications. How does the Govt. acquired the right to advertise the said projects terming them as their own, where in fact the same were identified and applied by various IPP's for allotment. If the Govt. and locals are really concerned about Environmental Impact, then no project should be alloted to Himachalis, and all the Small Hydel Projects which have not come into construction be scrapped and instead, one large project of say 100-300 MW would serve the purpose even if all such small hydel projects are scrapped! If you have the real courage to come out against the Govt and the Himachali Beneficiaries, then atleast file a writ against the present allotment of 70 small hydel projects, out of which 30 were allotted to Himachalis, with just one point How can the Govt apply a new policy which was not even notified, to projects for which applications were received prior to existence of such policy? At least you would be saving the environmental impact of these 70 projects! Thanks, Vishal Singal Singal Hydel Consulting SHC "Power House" # 892, Sector 12 Panchkula 134 112, HRY INDIA Tel +91 9888188891, 9888288892 E-Mail: singalhy...@yahoo.com Web: http://www.singal.in [Tapping the Power of the Himalayas] No one is REALLY CONCERNED about environmental impact of hydel power projects or for the matter any other work until and unless one is not directly affected.

The State Govt. recently advertised as you have mentioned about 150 small hydel projects for allotment to private sector and in which there is reservation for projects upto 2 MW to Himachalis and preference for projects of other capacities to Himachalis.

Now if the Bona fide Himachalis would really be concerned about environmental impact of projects then the state government would not have received about 1200 application from bona fide Himachalis for allotment and implementation of such projects.

It is same situation like “if I have a project then all is well” and “if an outsider is implementing a project then there is an issue about environmental concern and other local problems”.

Secondly even the State Government is a Party to what I would call “Small Hydel Power Projects Allotment SCAM”. It had lastly allotted about 70 Small Hydel Project and out of which about 30 projects to “Himachalis” Illegally and Arbitrarily. Since the applications for allotment were pending since the year 2004-2005 and imore than 225
applications were received, it arbitrarily applied the reservation clause under the new power policy to even applications which were pending for the last 2-3 years giving undue benefit to “Bonafide Himachalis” thereby allotting them around 30 projects arbitrarily and
illegally. That time there is “NO CONCERN” ? The New Power Policy and reservation to Himachali is thus applied to applications which were pending for allotment much prior to any such policy, thereby giving undue benefit to 30 Himachalis project. The proximity of these allottees with the high ups in political circles is being cited as one of the reason.

And moreover the Small Hydel Projects which were recently advertised by the State Govt are the same Illegally rejected applications and the projects being identified by various other IPP’s out of the above 225
applications.

How does the Govt. acquired the right to advertise the said projects terming them as their own, where in fact the same were identified and applied by various IPP’s for allotment.

If the Govt. and locals are really concerned about Environmental Impact, then no project should be alloted to Himachalis, and all the Small Hydel Projects which have not come into construction be scrapped and instead, one large project of say 100-300 MW would serve the purpose even if all such small hydel projects are scrapped!

If you have the real courage to come out against the Govt and the Himachali Beneficiaries, then atleast file a writ against the present allotment of 70 small hydel projects, out of which 30 were allotted to Himachalis, with just one point

How can the Govt apply a new policy which was not even notified, to projects for which applications were received prior to existence of such policy?

At least you would be saving the environmental impact of these 70 projects!

Thanks,

Vishal Singal

Singal Hydel Consulting SHC
“Power House” # 892, Sector 12
Panchkula 134 112, HRY INDIA
Tel +91 9888188891, 9888288892
E-Mail: singalhy…@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.singal.in
[Tapping the Power of the Himalayas]

]]> By: Anusha http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-38434 Anusha Thu, 26 Apr 2007 05:51:16 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-38434 Hi, I read your article on Himachal Pradesh. Its very intresting and informative.These kind of articles help us to know more about our country. Also check out some articles by real travellerswhich i think you will find useful. Hi, I read your article on Himachal Pradesh. Its very intresting and informative.These kind of articles help us to know more about our country. Also check out some articles by real travellerswhich i think you will find useful.

]]> By: Ravinder Makhaik http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-38248 Ravinder Makhaik Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:59:38 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-38248 Let down by the political leadership, who have failed to protect the rich water resources of the state, what is happening in Himachal Pradesh is nothing short of an ecological disaster. Most rivers have been sold out piece meal for hydro-generation. The Government continues to live beyond its means and to meet expanding expenditure it resorts to parting with its hydro potential sites. Some on upfront money basis, others on royalty basis to the state sector. Other than that scenic surroundings have been let out to Cement industry, which have already played havoc where ever a cement plant has come up. The present Virbhadra Singh let congress government in four years has given four such sites, two to Jaypee Industries, one to India Cements and the fourth to French conglomerate Lafarge. Neither of the two political parties, namely Congress or the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is interested in wresting the situation. The people have been left defenseless. What is ironic, is that even the Judiciary has not stepped in to save precious Himalayan ecology up for sale and rape, to the highest bidder. Quick money is all that the corrupt elements within the system aspire for. God bless the Land of the Gods. Let down by the political leadership, who have failed to protect the rich water resources of the state, what is happening in Himachal Pradesh is nothing short of an ecological disaster.

Most rivers have been sold out piece meal for hydro-generation. The Government continues to live beyond its means and to meet expanding expenditure it resorts to parting with its hydro potential sites. Some on upfront money basis, others on royalty basis to the state sector.

Other than that scenic surroundings have been let out to Cement industry, which have already played havoc where ever a cement plant has come up. The present Virbhadra Singh let congress government in four years has given four such sites, two to Jaypee Industries, one to India Cements and the fourth to French conglomerate Lafarge.

Neither of the two political parties, namely Congress or the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is interested in wresting the situation. The people have been left defenseless.

What is ironic, is that even the Judiciary has not stepped in to save precious Himalayan ecology up for sale and rape, to the highest bidder.

Quick money is all that the corrupt elements within the system aspire for. God bless the Land of the Gods.

]]> By: Global Voices Online » India: On Corporate “Greed” http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-38128 Global Voices Online » India: On Corporate “Greed” Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:27:12 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-38128 [...] My Himachal on corporate play in the state. “Hydro-electric power projects of private firms in Himachal Pradesh are being pushed by local officers who have made it clear to the people that they have vested interest in these projects. Officers of the state government have tried to influence local activists to support projects that would destroy the livelihoods of local villagers.” Share This [...] [...] My Himachal on corporate play in the state. “Hydro-electric power projects of private firms in Himachal Pradesh are being pushed by local officers who have made it clear to the people that they have vested interest in these projects. Officers of the state government have tried to influence local activists to support projects that would destroy the livelihoods of local villagers.” Share This [...]

]]> By: Mehul Mody http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-38086 Mehul Mody Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:50:07 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-38086 It is very important to highlight these issues otherwise these crimes will pass unnoticed and unchallenged. While, development is important, it needs to be sustainable and in the long-term interests of all affected people. Corporations are notoriously lax in self-regulation. And the government is usally in cahoots with them. In such an environment it falls upon civic-minded citizens and organizations to remove the veil of secrecy and unmask the criminals who are motivated by greed and avarice. It is very important to highlight these issues otherwise these crimes will pass unnoticed and unchallenged. While, development is important, it needs to be sustainable and in the long-term interests of all affected people. Corporations are notoriously lax in self-regulation. And the government is usally in cahoots with them. In such an environment it falls upon civic-minded citizens and organizations to remove the veil of secrecy and unmask the criminals who are motivated by greed and avarice.

]]> By: Sanjeeva Pandey http://hillpost.in/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/more2/activism/arun/comment-page-1#comment-38035 Sanjeeva Pandey Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:05:13 +0000 http://himachal.us/2007/04/24/the-power-of-corporate-greed-in-himachal/1859/news/arun#comment-38035 I know a few bits about the Sahoo Nala in Chamba. Way Back in 1988, Dr Narang of Zoological Survey of India conducted a Western Tragopan (WT) survey and found this IUCN listed Red Data Book bird on the site. The WT is a pheasant of primeval forests and found in the undergrowth of western Himalayan temperate forests between 2400 and 3500 meters altitude. The bird does not tolerate any disturbance and is the first one to disappear from the area because of the biotic pressures. That is how this is known as one of the important indicators of the health of a primary forest. The WT in Chamba is known as Fulgar among the local people. It is sad that there is no environmental clearance for projects below 50 MW. However, the civil society can bring pressures and save the forests from the clutches of these hydro power projects. I know a few bits about the Sahoo Nala in Chamba. Way Back in 1988, Dr Narang of Zoological Survey of India conducted a Western Tragopan (WT) survey and found this IUCN listed Red Data Book bird on the site. The WT is a pheasant of primeval forests and found in the undergrowth of western Himalayan temperate forests between 2400 and 3500 meters altitude. The bird does not tolerate any disturbance and is the first one to disappear from the area because of the biotic pressures. That is how this is known as one of the important indicators of the health of a primary forest. The WT in Chamba is known as Fulgar among the local people. It is sad that there is no environmental clearance for projects below 50 MW. However, the civil society can bring pressures and save the forests from the clutches of these hydro power projects.

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