Daily Current Affairs : 11-June-2024
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed for the implementation of a fisheries management plan at the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP) in Assam. This agreement marks an important step towards balancing the need for hydropower generation with the protection of the region’s aquatic ecosystem.
About the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP)
The Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP) is a 2000 MW gravity dam currently under construction on the Subansiri River. The river is a trans-Himalayan watercourse, flowing through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tibet. It is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River and contributes about 8% of its total flow.
When completed, SLHEP will become India’s largest hydroelectric power plant, tapping into the Subansiri River’s hydropower potential. The project, managed by NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), is expected to provide significant electricity to the region, helping meet the growing energy demands of the country.
The Importance of Fisheries Management
The construction of large hydroelectric projects like SLHEP often impacts local ecosystems, especially aquatic life. The creation of reservoirs and changes in water flow can disrupt the natural habitats of fish and other aquatic species. To address these environmental concerns, a comprehensive fisheries management plan has been developed.
Key Features of the Fisheries Management Plan:
- Protection of Aquatic Life: The plan aims to protect local fish populations and their habitats from the potential negative effects of the hydroelectric project.
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: It includes guidelines for sustainable fishing to ensure that local communities can continue their traditional practices without overfishing or damaging the ecosystem.
- Restoration Efforts: The plan also focuses on restoring any fish habitats that may be affected by the construction of the dam or changes in water flow.
This fisheries management plan is essential not only for protecting biodiversity but also for supporting the livelihoods of local communities who depend on fishing as a source of income and food.
Important Points:
Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP):
- A 2000 MW gravity dam under construction on the Subansiri River.
- Located in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tibet, the Subansiri River is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra.
- When completed, SLHEP will be India’s largest hydroelectric plant.
Fisheries Management Plan:
- A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed to implement a fisheries management plan at SLHEP.
- The plan aims to protect local fish populations and aquatic ecosystems from potential harm due to the hydroelectric project.
Key Features of the Fisheries Management Plan:
- Protection of Aquatic Life: Safeguarding fish and aquatic habitats from disruption caused by the dam.
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: Ensuring local communities can continue fishing without overexploiting resources.
- Restoration of Fish Habitats: Efforts to restore or improve fish habitats affected by the project.
Project’s Environmental and Social Impact:
- The plan helps balance the need for hydropower with environmental conservation.
- Aims to support local fishing communities’ livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.
Overall Goal:
- The fisheries management plan ensures the Subansiri River’s ecosystem remains sustainable, even as the region meets growing energy demands through SLHEP.
Why In News
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed for the implementation of a fisheries management plan at the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP) in Assam, aiming to safeguard the region’s aquatic biodiversity while supporting sustainable development alongside hydropower generation.
MCQs about Sustainable Fisheries at Subansiri Hydro Project
-
What is the main goal of the fisheries management plan at SLHEP?
A. To increase the hydropower capacity of the dam
B. To protect and preserve the aquatic ecosystem of the Subansiri River
C. To expand fishing activities in the region
D. To promote tourism near the dam
-
Which of the following is true about the Subansiri River?
A. It is the smallest tributary of the Brahmaputra
B. It flows only through Assam
C. It contributes about 8% of the Brahmaputra River’s total flow
D. It is primarily used for agricultural irrigation
-
What is the expected impact of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP)?
A. It will only serve the state of Assam
B. It will be India’s largest hydroelectric power plant
C. It will have no effect on the local environment
D. It will reduce the flow of the Brahmaputra River
-
Which of the following is NOT a feature of the fisheries management plan at SLHEP?
A. Ensuring sustainable fishing practices
B. Restoring affected fish habitats
C. Increasing the fish population artificially
D. Protecting aquatic life from the dam’s impact
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
