Reaping socio-economic blessings of flowing water: evidence from hydropower initiatives of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

More than 76% of the total budget of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is allocated to renewable and non-renewable energy initiatives. This paper elucidates socioeconomic impacts of three hydropower projects of CPEC named as Suki Kinari, Karot and Kohala Hydropower Projects. Primary data on selected socioeconomic variables (SVs) was collected from respondents of the areas where these projects are located. Data was analysed statistically to ascertain existing trends before construction of these projects. Changes in socioeconomic variables (SVs) after construction of these projects were calculated using Khewa's Model. To get representative equations of trends, digital analysis of data was carried out using computer assisted quantitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). After this, socioeconomic indexes (SEIs) of households were calculated before and after construction of these projects using Newton-Leibniz Integration Process (NLIP). Results indicated that there is a substantial increase in socioeconomic status of the households after construction of these hydropower projects.