India’s major hydroelectric centers

Introduction to Hydroelectric Power in India

Hydroelectric power, generated by harnessing the energy from flowing or falling water, is a crucial renewable energy source in India. As the country prioritizes sustainability and diversifies its energy mix, hydroelectricity serves as a valuable means of meeting demand, particularly during peak hours, and contributes to grid stability. India has numerous rivers and favorable topography, especially in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions, making it one of the world’s leading hydroelectric power producers. This overview covers India’s major hydroelectric power plants, providing details on their location, capacity, significance, and environmental impacts.

1. Tehri Dam, Uttarakhand

  • Location: Bhagirathi River, Tehri, Uttarakhand
  • Installed Capacity: 2,400 MW
  • Significance: Tehri Dam is India’s tallest dam, standing at 260.5 meters, and one of its largest hydroelectric power stations. Its storage capacity enables it to regulate water supply in northern India, supporting irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.
  • Key Features: The plant has a 1,000 MW power generation unit and additional pumped-storage capacity of 1,000 MW, with further expansion ongoing.
  • Environmental Impact: The dam has faced criticism for displacing local communities, affecting biodiversity, and altering river flow patterns. Earthquake risks in the region have also raised safety concerns.

2. Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Station, Himachal Pradesh

  • Location: Sutlej River, Kinnaur and Shimla districts, Himachal Pradesh
  • Installed Capacity: 1,500 MW
  • Significance: As one of the largest underground hydroelectric projects in India, Nathpa Jhakri is integral to the Northern Grid, supplying power to several states in northern India.
  • Key Features: It has six Francis turbines, each with a capacity of 250 MW, and benefits from the Sutlej River’s high flow rate.
  • Environmental Impact: This project has contributed to regional employment but has also led to ecological degradation, including soil erosion and deforestation, which impact local flora and fauna.

3. Srisailam Dam, Andhra Pradesh

  • Location: Krishna River, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh
  • Installed Capacity: 1,670 MW
  • Significance: The Srisailam Dam serves as both a power generator and an irrigation source, supporting the agricultural regions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • Key Features: With a large storage capacity and flood control capabilities, Srisailam can manage seasonal fluctuations in water flow and mitigate droughts in the region.
  • Environmental Impact: The project has led to displacement, loss of agricultural lands, and increased siltation, affecting river biodiversity and water quality downstream.

4. Bhakra Nangal Project, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab

  • Location: Sutlej River, near the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
  • Installed Capacity: 1,325 MW
  • Significance: Bhakra Nangal is one of India’s oldest and most significant multipurpose projects, contributing to irrigation, flood control, and power generation.
  • Key Features: The Bhakra Dam, at 226 meters, is one of the highest dams in Asia. It plays a key role in agricultural productivity in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
  • Environmental Impact: While providing vital agricultural support, the dam has impacted local ecosystems, submerged vast tracts of forest, and affected downstream fish populations.

5. Koyna Hydroelectric Project, Maharashtra

  • Location: Koyna River, Satara district, Maharashtra
  • Installed Capacity: 1,960 MW
  • Significance: Koyna is Maharashtra’s largest hydroelectric plant and a vital power source for western India.
  • Key Features: The project has a series of reservoirs, and its unique underground power station helps manage peak electricity demand.
  • Environmental Impact: The reservoir area has impacted local wildlife and forest cover in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. The seismic activity in the region has also raised concerns about dam safety.

6. Sardar Sarovar Project, Gujarat

  • Location: Narmada River, Narmada district, Gujarat
  • Installed Capacity: 1,450 MW
  • Significance: Part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, Sardar Sarovar is one of India’s largest dams, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and power to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
  • Key Features: The dam supports an extensive canal network and irrigates millions of hectares, alleviating drought conditions in water-scarce regions.
  • Environmental Impact: The project faced protests and legal challenges due to massive displacement, loss of tribal lands, and ecological impact on the Narmada River ecosystem.

7. Chamera Hydroelectric Project, Himachal Pradesh

  • Location: Ravi River, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh
  • Installed Capacity: 1,080 MW (across three stages)
  • Significance: The Chamera project is an essential source of power for the Northern Grid, supporting regional demand and stabilizing electricity supply.
  • Key Features: The project is divided into three stages, with Chamera I, II, and III contributing significantly to regional energy needs.
  • Environmental Impact: The construction of reservoirs has affected local ecosystems, displaced communities, and altered river flow, impacting downstream agricultural activities.

8. Indira Sagar Dam, Madhya Pradesh

  • Location: Narmada River, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh
  • Installed Capacity: 1,000 MW
  • Significance: Part of the larger Narmada Valley Project, Indira Sagar supports irrigation, flood control, and power generation, benefiting agriculture and drinking water needs.
  • Key Features: The dam has a large reservoir capacity and contributes to downstream hydroelectric plants, increasing the Narmada River’s productivity.
  • Environmental Impact: The reservoir has led to extensive submergence of forests, affected wildlife, and displaced thousands, sparking socio-environmental debates and demands for better compensation.

9. Hirakud Dam, Odisha

  • Location: Mahanadi River, Sambalpur district, Odisha
  • Installed Capacity: 347.5 MW
  • Significance: Hirakud, one of the longest dams in the world, plays a critical role in flood control, irrigation, and power supply to eastern India.
  • Key Features: The dam supports irrigation for Odisha and provides flood control benefits in the lower Mahanadi basin.
  • Environmental Impact: Hirakud displaced thousands of people and submerged large areas of land, impacting both tribal communities and biodiversity in the region.

10. Idukki Hydroelectric Project, Kerala

  • Location: Periyar River, Idukki district, Kerala
  • Installed Capacity: 780 MW
  • Significance: Known for its scenic beauty, Idukki is Kerala’s largest hydroelectric project and a major source of electricity in the state.
  • Key Features: The dam has a double curvature arch design, which is unique in India, and serves as a backup for the state during peak demand.
  • Environmental Impact: The reservoir submerges a large part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, affecting regional biodiversity and local communities.

Conclusion

India’s major hydroelectric centers are not just power sources; they contribute to regional development, water management, and agricultural support. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these hydro projects highlights India’s commitment to balancing energy security with environmental stewardship and socio-economic needs.

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