127. Hydropower and Sustainable Development: An Integrated Approach

It has been estimated that the soaring demand for power will necessitate a tripling of the installed generation capacity from 100,000 MW to 300,000 MW over the next two decades. Besides increasing investment in conventional power generation routes like hydro and thermal, greater emphasis needs to be laced on generation of power using nuclear energy and renewable energy.—A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Hon'ble President of India. This paper attempts to examine the issues relating to equitable and sustainable hydropower growth paradigm. The aspect of people centered hydropower development paradigm envisaging participatory approach is emphasized as vital tool for equitable development. The emerging scenario makes it imperative that developmental options must encompass a strategy, which is in harmony with equitable growth aimed at sustainable development. Too much emphasis on other energy options has led to a skewed and distorted energy mix leading to environmental concerns. In such context Hydropower development thus is not an option but priority. This has been examined in light of human development index paradigm. A analysis of hydropower potential of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Arunachal Pradesh and its linkages to sustainable development is also incorporated to reflect the role of hydropower in economic development.