Challenges in Development of Hydropower Projects in India: A Consultants’ Perspective

Indian Economy is in a critical need for electric power to achieve its cherished goal of faster growth. Hydropower is a critical element in meeting the power need of the economy. The Government has created policies, framework and institutions for a rapid harnessing of the hydropower potential of the country. The private sector too has responded overwhelmingly to this effort by the Government. In spite of all these, hydropower development in India has been slow and marred by teething problems. The sector today appears almost at a crossroad. The problem for this state of things ranges from technical to the contractual to the socio environmental. These have been analysed and presented herein with the perspective of a consultant.