Estimation of Biomass and Soil Carbon Stock in the Hydroelectric Catchment of India and its Implementation to Climate Change

Abstract

ABSTRACT A few decades ago, hydroelectric projects were considered a clean source of energy. The present study aims to assess the biomass and soil carbon (C) stock in the hydroelectric catchment in India and further, its implications to mitigate GHG emissions. The estimation depicts the low ‘C’ stock in the reservoir’s catchment in comparison to reservoirs located globally in the same eco-region which will ultimately result in lower GHG emission in the future. Moreover, estimated total carbon density of the forest species was found as 54.92 ± 18.07 MgC.ha−1 while mean SOC was 79.64 ± 19.32 MgC.ha−1. The average total ‘C’ stock of Tehri hydroelectric reservoir’s catchment was estimated as 134.56 MgC.ha−1. Moreover, ratios (total flooded carbon/installed capacity) comprised between 4 and304 kgC/W from the other reservoirs reported globally. These ratios are higher than the Tehri reservoir (0.28 kgC/W) as flooded area of Tehri reservoir during impoundment was 52 km2. Thus, Tehri reservoir was found to emit less GHG in time to come. The present study helps the hydropower industries, policymakers, and environmentalists in designing the catchment area treatment plan to minimize the negative impact of GHG on climate change.