Hydroelectric Projects in India

Hydroelectric Projects in India

News: Recent crisis in Joshimath has led to large scale displacement of local people. All construction activities have been stopped in the area and primary reason for crisis is attributed to large-scale development projects in the region. In this context, we will understand Hydroelectric projects in India, their advantages and concerns.

What is Hydroelectric energy?
 Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a waterfall—to generate electricity.

What is status of hydroelectric projects in India?
 In 2022, hydropower capacity of 46,512 MW (megawatts) accounted for ~12% of total capacity.
 In the last two decades the most significant policy push for hydropower was the 2003 plan for developing 50,000 MW of hydropower capacity. Under the plan, 162 new hydro-electric projects were identified. Out of these, more than half the capacity identified was in Arunachal Pradesh and about a third was in the Himalayan and North-eastern states.

What are advantages of Hydroelectric projects?
 Compared to traditional fossil fuel sources of energy, using hydropower to produce electricity does not release any pollutants in air or water.
 Hydropower is a renewable source of energy. The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it renewable.
 Such projects though involve heavy initial construction costs but they are viable for long term as they provide reliable source of power over long time.
 Hydroelectric projects support lot of economic activities and generate additional employment including in manufacturing, utilities, business services, construction, transportation, energy systems, water management, tourism.
 They provide water for drinking and irrigation activities as well.
 Reservoirs/Storage-based hydropower projects aid in flood control. Local communities can benefit from fisheries and other activities in the reservoirs.
 It can help save valuable Foreign exchange reserves as there is reduced dependence on Fossils.

What are concerns associated with Hydroelectricity projects?
 The storage/reservoir based dams can prevent natural flow of river waters, it will reduce flow of useful sediments downstream.
 Other issues such as Erosion, landslides, sedimentation have adverse impacts on local environment.
 As natural flow of river water is disturbed it obstructs fish migration routes. It will deplete fish marine resources.
 Hydroelectric generation is not 100% emission-free. Studies have shown that reservoirs created by dammed rivers emit greenhouse gases. Dead plants and other organic materials in the reservoir water decompose and release methane (a strong greenhouse gas) and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
 The projects require large expanse of land. Submergence of land under reservoirs leads to loss of people’s homes and livelihoods, important natural areas, agricultural land, or historical landmarks. Submergence can impact local wildlife and ecology.
 While dams help in flood control however during extreme weather events, dams may not be able to hold water and floods induced due to breach of dams can worsen things. For example, Rishiganga Tragedy in Uttrakhand 2021.

Way Forward:
 Avoid Large scale hydro projects in Upper Ganga region.
 Promote construction of Small Hydro power projects such as small run of the river projects that have minimal impact on ecosystem and help fulfill basic needs in remote village areas as well.
 Utilize hydropower potential in areas where ecology is not so fragile.
 The involvement of the private sector and joint ventures with the neighboring countries can go a long way towards achieving the goal of “power to all” in the coming years.