Address water problem to plan hydro projs execution: NHPC

State-owned NHPC today said the problem of water scarcity must be addressed while planning for the execution of hydroelectric projects.
NHPC Executive Director A B Agrawal while participating in a panel discussion on 'Development of Hydro Projects: Issues and Possible Solutions' stressed on educating the masses and policymakers on benefits of hydropower and the need to understand the issues being faced by local population where hydropower projects are being executed.
He further said that viability of hydropower projects may be worked out by considering government support for the social cost towards construction of roads and dams for supply of water for irrigation, drinking and flood control, NHPC said in a statement.

Stating that policy measures have failed to revive the sector, a Parliamentary panel had earlier asked the government to come up with a framework to rejuvenate it besides ensuring transparency and level playing field for all stakeholders.
It had said that that nine projects of NHPC, totalling 4,172 mw, have slipped from the 11th plan.