ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to unravel the alleged synergies between hydropower, green growth and economic development by looking at some of the local controversies, contradictions and outcomes surrounding the uncritical promotion of hydropower by the State, political elites and private players. Taking the case of Sikkim, it points to some of the most controversial aspects of hydropower development in the Eastern Himalayas. Between 2001 and 2011, the Government of Sikkim signed Memoranda of Understanding with over twenty Independent Power Producers for construction of more than thirty 'run-of-the-river' (R-o-R) hydro-electric projects. The R-o-R design is viable for small-scale schemes on mountain streams. The chapter focuses on the local political repercussions of some dam projects and their uncritical, apolitical promotion. An in-depth analysis of the muted response to the dam projects in some parts of Sikkim shows complex political reasons, in other words a coercive political culture, which reflects a significant democratic deficit.
