The vision of NHPC is to be a global leading organization for sustainable development of clean power through competent, responsible and innovative values. The mission is to adopt & innovate state-of-the-art technologies and optimize use of natural resources through effective management and to achieve excellence in development of clean power at international standards. NHPC has always aimed to execute & operate projects through efficient and competent contract management and innovative R&D in environment friendly and socio-economically responsive manner. NHPC’s benign approach is visible in the successful completion of hydro projects in the far flung and remote locations of the country.

Hydropower development results in providing considerable benefits to the human society especially when thoughtful, innovative mitigation measures are planned along with the assessment of overall needs of the area. It realizes the fact that the potential for utilization of water resources should not be exploited for the sole purpose of generating hydro power.

Due diligence is given by NHPC to execute its projects in an environment friendly and socially responsive manner. This has been achieved through minimum intrusion and usage of natural resources by employing various conservation measures to counter the inescapable impacts on the environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is an integral part of planning of the projects and it integrates various facets of environment i.e. land, air, water, socio-cultural and socio-economics. It is undertaken during investigation stage of a project as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF&CC) approved Terms of Reference (ToR), with the objective of identifying, predicting and evaluating the likely environmental and socio-economic impacts on land, flora, fauna, air, water, socio-economic of the area, etc. Problems related to deforestation, soil erosion, sedimentation/ siltation, flood control, fisheries and fish migration, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, rare and endangered species of plants/ animals, socio-economic/socio-cultural and archaeological factors, resettlement & rehabilitation, public health, downstream impacts, etc. are studied in detail and impacts are duly identified in the comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. These impacts are suitably addressed by formulating various mitigative plans in Environment Management Plans (EMP) reports which are appraised by MoEF & CC while according environmental clearance to a project.

Environmental management plans being implemented at various NHPC projects include Compensatory Afforestation in lieu of forestland diverted for the project, Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan, Biodiversity conservation plan, Fishery Management plan, Landscaping and beautification plan, Green belt development plan in and around project area and reservoir, Restoration of muck disposal and quarry sites, Rehabilitation and Resettlement etc. Further, monitoring of the environmental safeguards and EMPs is undertaken through Project level and Central level monitoring committees. The EMPs help in environmental up-gradation and improvement of the local environment.