Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Design and Operation of Hydropower Projects: Lessons from Extreme Flood Events in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state of India, experienced extreme rainfall and flash-flood events during 2023–2025, causing widespread damage to hydropower and associated infrastructure located in steep, geologically fragile terrain. This paper examines lessons from recent floods and presents a framework for sustainable, climateresilient hydropower design and operation. Key aspects include climate-responsive flood hydrology, sediment management, slope stability, structural resilience, reservoir operation protocols, and integrated catchment planning. With appropriate engineering and operational measures, hydropower can remain a safe, reliable backbone of India's renewable energy sector despite increasing climate variability.