These projects are highly ambitious and a major problem solver at first sight, but they could turn the Himalayas into the largest mega-dam oriented area in the world. The aim of this paper is to deepen the perspective on the impacts that such a high density of big projects could have in the very fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas, without dismissing the advantages of hydro energy, compared to other alternatives. .
2. Advocates and Opponents of Dam Building.
One cannot doubt the increasing necessity for energy, especially in developing countries of the global south, but there are certain limits to this industry, especially when future disadvantages tend to counterbalance present advantages. The energy sector in countries of south-east Asia is a notably politicised environment. On one hand, there are strong advocates for the dam building industry such as national states governments. They have created an extensive collaboration network with multilateral funding institutions such as the World Bank, but also development banks and other aid and export credit agencies. Based on the same type of economic relations, governments have developed strong ties to multinational dam-building firms, manufacture and construction corporations and engineering companies (Baghel and Nacesser, 2010: 235) All of these actors advocate for the growth of hydropower projects in the Himalayas because they are perceived as an engine of economic development. If completed, these projects would help to modernize societies, offering them not only power, but also prestige. This would also open the market for technology transfer processes. .
Before such projects can be implemented there is an ongoing process of environmental impact assessments which could last for years. Feasibility studies have to be written and there are a lot of approvals that need to be obtained, before the actual construction of dams can begin. This long period of uncertainty opens the path to opposition of such projects.
