SEA Guidance Annex 31

SEA of Hydropower Plan on Azad-Jammu-Kashmir State, Pakistan

This annex explains the Strategic Environmental Assessment conducted for the hydropower plan of Azad-Jammu-Kashmir State (Pakistan). The SEA evaluated 62 existing or proposed hydropower projects using ecological and socioeconomic sensitivity criteria and ultimately influenced significant project decisions.

overview

What’s Inside This Annex

Hydropower Plan and SEA Overview

The government of Azad-Jammu-Kashmir State (AJK) agreed to volunteer its hydropower plan (the ‘Plan’) for SEA piloting. In 2014, there were 12 operational hydropower projects in the state. An additional 13 are under construction, while 37 more sites have been identified for detailed feasibility (total technical capacity ~9000 MW). The SEA took the form of an ex-post assessment based on the collection of 62 existing or proposed projects that make up the de facto plan.

The main objectives of the pilot SEA of the hydropower plan were to: (1) Assess the potential environmental and social risks and benefits associated with the current hydropower plan; and (2) If necessary, suggest alternative plan options that better optimize economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

SEA Method and Key Issues

Based on ecological criteria, the rivers in AJK were divided into nine zones. The ecological sensitivity of each river zone was assessed and discussed, followed by a determination of the sensitivity of river sections to the development of hydropower projects (HPPs).

A similar analysis of socioeconomic conditions was undertaken for each of the sections and rated as least, moderate, or highly sensitive to HPP development. Finally, both analyses have been combined, which showed that the nine proposed HPPs in the Poonch River basin all rank highest for potential ecological and social impact, and therefore this section is indicated as a highly sensitive zone.

Influence of the SEA

The proposed Gulpur reservoir dam was changed into a run-of-the-river project, and Poonch National Park was established and investments in conservation were made.

Download the full annex to learn how and why.

Lessons Learned

The pilot did not have a budget for primary data collection. Fortunately, the consulting team had access to excellent primary environmental and social data from previous impact assessment studies undertaken in the state. Without this information, the pilot SEA would not have been able to produce the river sensitivity and HPP ranking, which was a crucial outcome of the study.

Maps produced as part of the SEA study were of significant value. These were used for discussions with public officials in AJK, who often do not have enough time to read long, technical reports. At consultation meetings with government officials, the maps engendered spirited engagement that clearly led to organizational learning.

Source

SOURCE: NCEA (2021). Strategic Environmental Assessment for Sustainable Development of the Hydropower Sector. Five influential cases: India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Rwanda, Viet Nam. 114 p.

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SEA Guidance Annex 31