In India, hydropower has huge potential, ranks fifth in that terms but could generate only 21 % of total power generation. However, most of them are situated in fragile eco system, tapping this potential remains the great challenge.
In Gangetic plains, tapping them will mean land acquisition issues and rehabilitation of villages, while in Himalayan and North Eastern range it is deforestation and disturbing tribal rights. For the hydel projects in southern India, it is the seasonal flow hampers hydel projects. Besides, recent Uttarakhand floods have also demonstrated the danger in haphazard hydel projects.
To realize its potential, there should be clarity and swifter clearance and vigilant monitoring mechanism will go a long way in tapping the potential.
Leave a Reply