Energy situation, current status and resource potential of run of the river (RoR) large hydro power projects in Jammu and Kashmir: India

Power is the critical infrastructure on which the socio-economic development of the country depends. The growth of the economy hinges on the availability of quality power at competitive rates. Therefore, it is imperative that electricity is made readily available for growth of infrastructure, economy and overall better quality of life of the people of the country. Hydro energy, when compared with other sources, including the renewable one, stands in the top position as it is one of the cheapest and convenient energy available. Being one of the oldest technologies adopted in the world for energy generation it comprises of large, medium and small hydro projects. In this research paper field survey is done in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state which has a huge potential for power generation from large hydro projects as when properly tapped will certainly boost growth considerably. A lot of research work has taken place throughout the world for the assessment of sustainability factors related to large hydro projects, but these are mostly for reservoir based projects. Less literature was available which highlight the factors related to the sustainability of without reservoir-based hydro projects especially in the western Himalayan regions of India. The main objective of this research article is to identify the factors which are responsible for the slow development of the large hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. It is very important to utilize the state's water resources in an environment-friendly manner to provide a solution to the energy problems in remote and hilly areas of J&K.