India halts new dams in fragile Ganga basin after climate warnings

The Indian government has recognised the fragile state of the upper Ganga basin, citing its unique environmental, geological and cultural importance. This decision follows repeated warnings from experts about the risks of unchecked development in Uttarakhand’s ecologically sensitive region.

The move comes as authorities file an affidavit in the Supreme Court, pledging to block new dam projects while allowing seven existing ones to proceed. Uttarakhand has faced growing environmental threats in recent years. The 2013 Kedarnath floods killed over 6,000 people, and Joshimath’s ongoing subsidence—measured at 5.4 cm in just 12 days in 2022—has raised alarms. Experts blame these disasters on rapid infrastructure expansion, including dam construction and road widening.

The government’s affidavit highlights concerns over climate change and extreme weather. Rising vehicle emissions in the hills deposit black carbon on glaciers, speeding up melting and damaging river ecosystems. Widening Char Dham roads to 10 metres and tunnelling for dams also destabilise slopes, increasing landslide risks.

Of the seven permitted dam projects, four are already operational. The remaining three need about 30% more work before completion. Despite warnings, the government has chosen to let these proceed while halting any new proposals. The ban on new dams marks a shift in policy for the upper Ganga basin. Existing projects will continue, but future large-scale developments face stricter scrutiny. With climate risks growing, officials may soon reconsider even ongoing dam constructions if they worsen environmental instability.