Hydroelectric power is one of the most important renewable sources of energy in India. It uses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. India possesses enormous hydroelectric potential due to its vast river systems and mountainous terrain.
India currently has numerous hydroelectric power plants and ranks among the leading countries in exploitable hydroelectric energy potential.
Development of Hydropower in India
The development of hydroelectricity in India began during the late 19th century.
Important Milestones
Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power Station (1897)
- Located in Darjeeling.
- First hydroelectric power plant in India.
Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Plant (1902)
- Located in Karnataka.
- One of the earliest major hydroelectric projects in Asia.
Importance of Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric energy is important because:
- It is a renewable source of energy.
- Produces less pollution compared to thermal power.
- Helps in irrigation and flood control.
- Supports industrial and agricultural development.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Classification of Hydropower Projects
Hydropower projects are generally classified into:
1. Large Hydropower Projects
- Capacity above 25 MW.
2. Small Hydropower Projects
- Capacity up to 25 MW.
In India, small hydropower projects are managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Major Hydroelectric Power Plants in India
1. Nagarjunasagar Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Krishna
- State: Andhra Pradesh
Importance
- One of the major multipurpose river valley projects in South India.
2. Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Krishna
- State: Andhra Pradesh
Importance
- One of the largest operational hydroelectric projects in India.
Srisailam Dam
3. Machkund Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Machkund
- States: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
4. Sardar Sarovar Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Narmada
- State: Gujarat
Importance
- Associated with the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
- One of India’s most important river valley projects.
Sardar Sarovar Dam
5. Bhakra Nangal Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Sutlej
- State: Himachal Pradesh
Importance
- One of the earliest major multipurpose projects in independent India.
Bhakra Nangal Dam
6. Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Sutlej
- State: Himachal Pradesh
Importance
- Largest underground hydroelectric power station in India.
Nathpa Jhakri Dam
7. Salal Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Chenab
- State: Jammu and Kashmir
8. Uri Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Jhelum
- State: Jammu and Kashmir
9. Sharavathi Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Sharavathi
- State: Karnataka
Importance
- Important source of electricity for Karnataka.
10. Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Kaveri
- State: Karnataka
Importance
- One of the oldest hydroelectric stations in India.
Shivanasamudra Falls
11. Idukki Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Periyar
- State: Kerala
Importance
- Largest hydroelectric project in Kerala.
Idukki Dam
12. Indira Sagar Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Narmada
- State: Madhya Pradesh
13. Koyna Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Koyna
- State: Maharashtra
Importance
- Largest completed hydroelectric project in India.
- Installed capacity: 1960 MW.
Koyna Dam
14. Loktak Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Leimtak
- State: Manipur
Importance
- Associated with Loktak Lake.
Loktak Lake
15. Hirakud Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Mahanadi
- State: Odisha
Importance
- Built on one of the world’s longest earthen dams.
Hirakud Dam
16. Teesta Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Teesta
- State: Sikkim
17. Tehri Hydroelectric Power Plant
- River: Bhagirathi
- State: Uttarakhand
Importance
- Highest hydroelectric project in India.
- Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India.
Tehri Dam
Other Important Hydroelectric Projects
| Project | River | State |
|---|---|---|
| Baira-Siul | Baira | Himachal Pradesh |
| Dehar | Beas | Himachal Pradesh |
| Bansagar | Sone | Madhya Pradesh |
| Rihand | Rihand | Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh |
| Balimela | Sileru | Odisha |
| Rangit | Rangit | Sikkim |
| Baspa-II | Baspa | Himachal Pradesh |
| Pandoh Dam | Beas | Himachal Pradesh |
| Chamera-I & II | Ravi | Himachal Pradesh |
| Pong Dam | Beas | Himachal Pradesh |
| Dulhasti | Chenab | Jammu & Kashmir |
Important Facts about Hydroelectric Power Plants in India
Koyna Hydroelectric Project
- Largest completed hydroelectric project in India.
Sidrapong Hydroelectric Station
- First hydroelectric power station in India.
Tehri Hydro Power Project
- Highest hydroelectric project in India.
- Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India.
Nathpa Jhakri Project
- Largest underground hydroelectric project in India.
Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Second-largest concrete dam in the world.
Srisailam Hydro Project
- One of the largest operational hydroelectric projects in India.
Advantages of Hydroelectric Power
- Renewable and clean energy source
- Low operating cost after installation
- Helps in irrigation and water storage
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Supports regional development
Challenges of Hydropower Projects
- Displacement of local communities
- Ecological and environmental concerns
- High initial construction cost
- Risk from floods and earthquakes
- Siltation in reservoirs
Important UPSC Facts
- India’s first hydroelectric plant was established at Sidrapong in Darjeeling.
- Koyna project is the largest completed hydropower project in India.
- Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India.
- Nathpa Jhakri is India’s largest underground hydropower station.
- Hydroelectric power is a renewable source of energy.
- Small hydropower projects in India have a capacity of up to 25 MW.
