Pranav Acharya on Environment, EIA & Hydropower | Insights with Shekhar Thakur | EP 9

Hydropower is often seen as Nepal's greatest opportunity for clean energy and sustainable economic growth. But as we build more projects, an important question remains: How can we develop responsibly while protecting the environment?In this episode, Pranav Acharya shares valuable insights into the environmental aspects of hydropower development in Nepal. From Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and public hearings to river ecosystems, forests, and aquatic biodiversity, this conversation explores the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. In this episode, we discuss:🌿 The environmental impact of hydropower projects💧 How hydropower affects rivers and environmental flows🐟 The importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity🌲 The role of forests in sustainable development📋 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and their effectiveness🗣️ Why public hearings matter and how communities can participate🌍 Global best practices Nepal can learn from for sustainable hydropower developmentThis conversation is for engineers, environmental professionals, students, policymakers and anyone interested in Nepal's energy future and environmental sustainability.💬 What do you think? Can Nepal achieve rapid hydropower development while protecting its rivers and natural ecosystems? Share your thoughts in the comments.👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, like the video, subscribe to the channel and share it with others who care about Nepal's sustainable future.Insights with Shekhar ThakurConversations that inform, inspire and create impact.Timestamps:00:00 - Highlights01:27 - what is environment for you03:06 - Guest Introduction and Journey15:20 - Hydropower impact on environment22:18 - EIA on Hydropower28:00 - How Hydro impact the aquatic lives32:15 - Does assessment done after project completion51:18 - Flood Assessment in Hydro01:05:10 - Do Investor take interest on environment01:12:08 - Do solar impact environment01:16:42 - is impact on environment is considered if dam has to be removed01:23:10 - what policy you would change01:28:51 - What is hydropower sustainability alliance01:33:52 - Thanks#Hydropower #Environment #Nepal #PranavAcharya #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #Rivers #AquaticLife #Biodiversity #podcastnepal #RenewableEnergy #EnvironmentalImpactAssessment #Podcast #InsightswithShekharThakur