India has enormous hydropower potential, particularly in the North Eastern region, which can be tapped to meet the growing energy needs of the expanding population and mitigate climate change. This study was conducted to evaluate how the Serlui B Hydropower Project, a small hydropower plant in Mizoram, NE India (an ‘Indo Burma global biodiversity hotspot region’) impacts the socioeconomic, ecological, and livelihood aspects of the rural indigenous population. In this study, the questionnaire method was used to assess the societal perception of the rural population on the impact of hydroelectricity generation on the environment, climatic variables, and socio-economy. In terms of effects on the environment and wildlife, 93% of the respondents observed it to be a negative view because of extensive deforestation and land submergence. Further, 54% of the respondents observed the deterioration of water quality, ascribed to the submergence of organic matter and suspended solids. Also, the excessive spread of water hyacinths (Eichhorniacrassipes (Mart.) Solms) in the small hydropower plants area can degrade the water quality and aquatic biodiversity which warrants urgent attention. Pertaining to rural livelihood-linked aquaculture, 77% of the respondents informed that fisheries have improved in terms of fish quantity and size however; some original rare species of fish underwent extirpation. In terms of energy and socio-economy, the survey obtained positive results from the respondents, as the majority of the interviewed people revealed sufficient energy supply, employment opportunities, and access to commercial Areca nut plantations after the establishment of the hydropower plant. The present findings are critically compared and discussed fromaglobal perspective to assess the impacts of hydropower projects on sustainable rural livelihood, environmental management, and climate action.
