Kambar-Ata-1: construction of hydroelectric power station continues without environmental assessment
The construction of the largest energy project in Central Asia, the Kambar-Ata HPP-1, is gaining momentum, but the key issues of its safety and impact on the ecosystem of the region still remain behind a veil of secrecy for the general public. Impressive figures on the progress of the preparatory work were presented at the recent collegium of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, but the main document – environmental impact assessment (EIA) – has not been published.
The project, which is of strategic importance for Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has received serious financial support. According to the department, the World Bank has already allocated $ 18.6 million for preparatory activities, including updating the feasibility study (feasibility study) in 2014. “In addition, the issue of allocating 1.5 billion by the World Bank for basic construction works for the three countries is being considered,” the official statement said.
Work is in full swing at the construction site. The access roads to the hydroelectric power station are practically laid: earthworks at one of the sites have been completed by 90%, and concreting – by 80%. The transport tunnel laid through the rock is almost completely ready for operation. The installation of a power transmission line and the construction of a substation are actively underway, which will provide energy to the construction site itself: 88% of the supports have been installed and more than half of the cable has been laid. The construction of a bridge across the stormy Naryn River and a temporary settlement for thousands of future builders has begun.
Behind this stream of optimistic reports on percentages of completion and disbursed funds, the most important aspect for any megaproject of this level is lost. While engineers are deciding what type of dam will be and contractors are pouring concrete, the public is deprived of the opportunity to get acquainted with the results of the environmental assessment. The construction of a giant dam in a mountainous area will inevitably change the landscape, affect the water regime of the Naryn River, affect the unique flora and fauna, and also carries potential seismic risks for the entire region.
The absence of the EIA of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 in public access is of serious concern. Citizens and independent experts cannot assess what measures to mitigate the negative consequences are envisaged by the project, how the issue of siltation of the future reservoir will be resolved, and what impact the station will have on the water supply of neighboring countries downstream. Transparency in this matter is the key to the long–term sustainability of the project and trust in it both domestically and internationally.
Thus, while official reports report on the progress in the construction of roads and tunnels, the main road – to openness and environmental responsibility – for the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 project has not even been started yet. The society is waiting not only for news about concrete and reinforcement, but also for guarantees that economic benefits will not be achieved at the cost of irreversible damage to nature.
Alexander Eskendirov (Rivers.Help!)
Original (in Russian): Камбар-Ата-1: продолжается строительство ГЭС без экологической оценки
