ID: 1765
Presenting Author: Netra Bahadur Karki
Session: 524 - Power and Perception: Misinformation, Disinformation, and the Environmental and Social Narrative in Hydropower Development
Status: pending
The study explores how misinformation and disinformation shape perceptions, power relations, and governance in Nepal’s hydropower development, emphasizing transparent communication and participatory a
Hydropower development in Nepal is often framed as both a pathway to sustainable growth and a source of environmental and social contention. This paper examines how misinformation and disinformation shape public perception, stakeholder engagement, and policy discourse surrounding hydropower projects in Nepal. Drawing on case studies and media analyses, it explores how competing narratives—ranging from environmental activism to state-led development agendas—intersect with local realities of displacement, ecological change, and community benefit-sharing. The study highlights how the strategic dissemination of information, whether deliberate or incidental, influences decision-making processes and power relations among developers, governments, and affected communities. By unpacking the dynamics of information asymmetry and perception management, the research calls for more transparent communication frameworks, participatory dialogue, and knowledge co-production to foster trust and equitable outcomes in hydropower governance. Ultimately, this work situates Nepal’s hydropower narrative within broader debates on truth, power, and sustainability in resource development.
Netra Bahadur Karki is a prominent IA professional in Nepal. He is CEO of NAIA. He has long experiences on EA in Nepal and promoting in Green Energy