Environmental governance in rural India: diffusion of solar powered irrigation technologies

Abstract

Developmental actors are pushing the diffusion of solar powered irrigation technologies using different technology diffusion models in resource-constrained, underdeveloped agrarian regions of the Global South. Among the varied models, the hybrid model of technology diffusion and environmental governance has gained a lot of traction and support among the technology promoters in recent years. In this article, we analyse two cases of hybrid environmental governance employed for the diffusion of solar powered irrigation technologies in rural Bihar, India. The promoters of solar powered irrigation technologies wish to achieve environmental sustainability, enhance farmers income and mitigate climate change through promoting renewable-based technologies. The top-down framing of technology and environment in hybrid environmental models often uncritically negates the place-based embedded experiences of end-users and non-users. The paper argues that the role of end-users and non-users in hybrid environmental governance need to be understood using the bottom-up approach. The paper makes a case for acknowledging and incorporating the views and environmental subjectivities of end-users and non-users while planning developmental interventions. The paper ends up suggesting a few policy-relevant suggestions for hybrid models of technology and environmental governance.

Keywords:

• hybrid environmental governance
• renewable energy
• irrigation technologies
• solar based water pumps
• sustainability
• rural India

Notes

1 For instance, Claro Energy Private Limited has installed solar pumps for local villagers in Nalanda district (Shah and Kishore, 2012).

2 “BASIX is a livelihood promotion institution established in 1996, working with over a 3.5 million customers, over 90% being rural poor households and about 10% urban slum dwellers.” For more details see - http://www.basixindia.com/ accessed on 25 March 2020

3 “Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) is a solution-driven organisation that works towards creating inspiring solutions to maintain a healthy, clean and sustainable environment. Born as BREDSN (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Support Network) in 2010, we developed into Centre for Environment and Energy Development in 2014. Our mission is to inspire people to take action using innovative solutions to protect our environment and create a sustainable future. CEED is an independent organisation committed to protecting our environment through research, building networks, campaigning, public mobilisation, advocacy and lobbying.” http://ceedindia.org/about/ accessed on 25 March 2020

4 PRAN is an off-shoot of Pradan a national level NGO. According to PRAN, They, currently work in over 547 villages in 157 Panchayat of 2 districts namely Gaya and Nalanda of Bihar directly reaching out to about 26,000 families. https://www.ngopran.org/about-pran/ accessed on 30 March 2020

5 Greenpeace India facilitated the installation of a decentralised solar micro-grid. 100 kW micro-grid: includes 70 kW for electricity generation for the community, and 30 kW for 10 solar-powered water-pumping systems of three horsepower each. For more details refer - http://Dharnailive.in/blog/5 accessed on 25 March 2020

6 Ahars and pynes are traditional water harvesting structures of south Bihar. Ahars are catachement basin with embankments from three sides, the fourth side remains open. Pynes are rivulets emerging from the seasonal rivers and are used for irrigation purpose in the region.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aviram Sharma

Aviram Sharma is an Assistant Professor at the School of Ecology and Environment Studies at Nalanda University, India. His research primarily employs an inter-disciplinary approach and lies on the interface of science and technology studies, environmental studies, public understanding of science, and heterodox economics.