India’s push for 24/7 clean energy from dams upends lives

India’s push for renewable and clean energy from hydroelectric power generated by dams constructed on rivers is upending the lives of indigenous people.

The pickup truck jostled away from the roaring Sutlej River and up the steep mountain path flanked by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, some nearly 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) high. The nine passengers, farmers-turned-activists campaigning to prevent more dams from being built, were travelling to the remote Kandar hamlet in India's Kinnaur district.

The few-dozen Indigenous residents were forced to relocate after falling boulders destroyed most of their previous homes in 2005. And villagers believe tunnelling for dams was to blame, although authorities deny it.

Indigenous activists like Buddha Sain Negi, 30, went there to learn more about the continued struggles faced by Kandar. Sitting atop a steep slope overlooking a 19-year-old dam, the activists heard residents speak of ways India's hydroelectric push had upended their lives and led to nearly two decades of protest. Some families took shelter in sheds, and more lives were lost because of falling boulders before they got compensation to build new homes, although it wasn't enough to mend livelihoods.

Explained | Dam Safety Act and Mullaperiyar dam 

For villagers like Raj Kumari, 48, the fear of that night remains. The farmer said her husband was out when the boulders began rolling down. “My daughter said that we'll get left behind and die, and only her father would survive,” she said.

A favourite initiative of Indian governments, the push for dams has skyrocketed as the nation looks for round-the-clock energy that doesn't spew planet-warming emissions. Hydropower commonly is produced when fast-moving water spins turbines to generate electricity.

But natural water systems have been altered by dams in this region that receives little rainfall, and farmers are struggling to irrigate their orchards. Spring waters from melting glaciers they've historically relied on also are drying up with climate change.