Power min invites proposals for hydroelectric study

The last such study was conducted during 1978-87

The Union ministry of power has asked for proposals from THDC India, SJVN and WAPCOS to conduct a basin-wise review of hydro-electric potential in the country and preparation of basin reports. They will have to give these by August 16, while a pre-proposal conference is being organised on July 25.

The previous such study was conducted during 1978-87. As of April 30, of total installed generation capacity of 302,833 Mw, hydro based generation was 42,783 Mw (14.1 per cent).

Power ministry sources told Business Standard, review has been necessitated because of additional hydrological, topographical and other data about water usage in the past 25 years. The review would consider actual site constraints, submergence and the results of cumulative basin studies, including treaty issues, tribunal awards and impacts of these projects on the environment and forests.

Besides, the consultant will have to review all river systems, considering the utilisation of water from other uses like irrigation, water supply, environmental releases, flood moderation and navigation. Further, submergence and resettlement and rehabilitation will be done, by utilising satellite-derived land use. It will also review the environmental and social impacts of hydro-electric power developments in a river basin.

Reports will be prepared for six basins such as Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Central Indian River System, West - and East Flowing Rivers of Southern India. Preparation of pre-feasibility reports will also be done for selected projects.

The move comes at a time when the Union ministries of environment and water resources continue to be on different pages over the issue of hydro-electric projects in Uttarakhand.

The water resources ministry has opposed new dams, which it believes would affect the flow of the Ganga.