Small hydropower development in western Himalayas: Strategy for faster implementation

Glacier fed fast moving perennial streams in western Himalayan region present a scope of vast hydropower potential in this region. Indian states in this region are striving hard to tap this potential by promoting run of the river (RoR) hydropower projects in a big way. However large RoR hydropower projects are being opposed by environmentalists and native communities as they badly affect flora and fauna in the diverted reach and generate huge quantity of muck due to construction of tunnels. Due to diversion of water, large population in the diverted reach of the river is devoid of sufficient water for its consumptive use. In this scenario, small hydropower projects (SHPs) are considered as comparatively more sustainable and greener option for hydropower development in these regions. There are well placed small hydropower policies and various incentives for this sector both from state and central government. In spite of all this, the progress of implementation of SHPs is not up to the mark. This study presents case study of small hydropower development in two hydro rich western Indian Himalayan states. Besides it, the study discusses the reasons for slow pace of progress in small hydropower sector and suggests strategy for its faster implementation.