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This study delves into the intricate conflicts between fish farmers and polluters in the Beas River, situated in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. It identifies the detrimental environmental impacts caused by two hydroelectric dams, namely Shanon and Lambadug, on the Uhl tributary of the Beas River. These impacts, encompassing sedimentation, siltation, and inadequate dam management, emerge as the primary sources of conflict affecting fish farming operations. Both the quantity and quality of fish production have suffered significantly, posing substantial operational challenges for fish farms in the region. Moreover, the study examines the economic and environmental repercussions of pollutants discharged by car washes and auto repair shops along the Suketi Khad tributary of the Beas River. These pollutants directly contaminate the river, exacerbating the challenges faced by downstream fish farms. By employing the institutional analysis and development paradigm, the research maps out the action areas of various stakeholders, revealing the complex dynamics underlying the conflicts.
Furthermore, stakeholder preferences are evaluated through the analytical hierarchy process, indicating a pronounced inclination towards polycentric governance and community involvement. To mitigate these conflicts, the study underscores the critical importance of maintaining dissolved oxygen levels and implementing environmental compensating mechanisms.The findings underscore the necessity of establishing robust regulatory frameworks and decentralised governance structures to ensure sustainable resource management. Finally, the thesis contributes to the broader discourse on environmental management by proposing policy recommendations that harmonise hydroelectric power development with the social and economic needs of local fish farming communities.
