Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q6. How do large-scale renewable energy projects impact ecologically sensitive regions in India? Analyse the environmental and social consequences of such projects. Suggest a sustainable model for balancing renewable energy goals with ecosystem preservation. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
The growing tensions between India’s renewable energy ambitions and ecological preservation—highlighted by recent protests in Rajasthan—have brought into focus the unintended fallout of large-scale solar and wind projects.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires an examination of how utility-scale renewable energy projects affect fragile ecological zones, an analysis of their environmental and social consequences, and finally, a discussion on how to achieve a balance between clean energy goals and ecosystem protection.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce the paradox of green energy projects harming natural ecosystems in ecologically sensitive regions.Body
- Impact on ecologically sensitive regions: Mention biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, land-use change, etc.
- Environmental and social consequences: Talk about local community displacement, ecological degradation, water stress, conflicts, etc.
- Sustainable model: Discuss solutions like decentralised models, spatial zoning, community participation, legal reforms, etc.
Conclusion
Assert the need for a future-ready renewable energy strategy that integrates climate goals with ecological integrity.
