The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Hydropower development in Assam faces a number of challenges, including environmental clearances, land acquisition, and protests and local opposition.
Environmental clearances are required for all hydropower projects, and the process can be lengthy and complex. This can delay the development of projects and add to the cost.
Land acquisition is also a challenge, as it can be difficult to find suitable land for hydropower projects. This can lead to conflict with local communities, who may be unwilling to give up their land.
Protests and local opposition are also common, as people may be concerned about the impact of hydropower projects on the environment, their livelihoods, and their way of life.
These challenges can make it difficult to develop hydropower projects in Assam. However, hydropower has the potential to provide a significant amount of clean energy, and it is important to find ways to address these challenges in order to develop this potential.
Here are some additional details on each of the challenges:
- Environmental clearances: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, requires that all projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment obtain an environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The EIA process can be lengthy and complex, and it can take several years to obtain an environmental clearance. This can delay the development of hydropower projects and add to the cost.
- Land acquisition: Land acquisition is also a challenge, as it can be difficult to find suitable land for hydropower projects. This is because hydropower projects require large areas of land, and much of the land in Assam is already under cultivation or used for other purposes. This can lead to conflict with local communities, who may be unwilling to give up their land.
- Protests and local opposition: Protests and local opposition are also common, as people may be concerned about the impact of hydropower projects on the environment, their livelihoods, and their way of life. For example, people may be concerned about the impact of dams on fish populations, irrigation, and drinking water supplies. They may also be concerned about the displacement of people from their homes and land.
These challenges can make it difficult to develop hydropower projects in Assam. However, hydropower has the potential to provide a significant amount of clean energy, and it is important to find ways to address these challenges in order to develop this potential.