MICRO-HYDROPOWER SUSTAINABILITY IN CHITRAL: COMMUNITY-BASED GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

Abstract

This research explores the long-term viability of micro-hydropower in Chitral, with a focus on community-based governance systems, institutional inefficiencies and socio-economic factors. Micro-hydropower projects (MHPs) are being considered as one of the most important decentralized energy sources in Chitral, among other remote mountainous areas in Pakistan. Yet despite their potential to tackle energy and development poverty, these projects are beleaguered by continual governance issues that prevent long-term sustainability. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys, key informant interviews and analysis of secondary data. Results indicate that although MHPs have led to improved access to energy, less use of firewood, and positive contributions at a local level (such as enhancing incomes), governance failures including lack of accountability, elite capture, inadequate technical skills and weak coordination among institutions are creating challenges for the sustainability of these systems. In addition, variations in climate and limited resources further complicate these governance difficulties. The study suggests that locally governed MHPs need better governance framework, participation in decision-making process, capacity-building actions and linkage with national renewable energy policies. These findings inform debates around energy governance in fragile, resource-poor settings and offer policy suggestions for scaling community-led renewable energy interventions.

Keywords: Micro-hydropower, sustainability, governance, Chitral, renewable energy, community-based management, energy access