More storage dams to avert Uttarakhand type tragedy: Expert

Construction of hydro power projects in a planned manner is unlikely to interfere with stability of the Himalayas which offer maximum unexploited hydro power potential, says an expert.
"Scientists fear that the calamity in Uttarakhand a few months ago is a precursor to bigger and more destructive floods. So more storage projects should be taken up in the Himalayan region to avoid such disasters in future," M M Madan, Director (Hydel) at GVK Group says.
Madan expressed the view in a paper presented at the annual convention of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)) which concluded here yesterday.
Favouring more 'run of the river' (ROR) projects without much interference with natural silt movement down the river, he said the hydro projects could not have in any way contributed to the Uttarakhand catastrophe.

"In fact, the Tehri Hydro Project, which is a storage project, absorbed the excess discharge in the Bhagirathi and helped in saving towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar in the downstream," he said claiming that the storage dams "are savior for the downstream population."
INAE is a top body of engineers and technocrats in the country. The Academy which recognises excellence in engineering through its awards, honoured several engineers and scientists at an award function last evening.

Observing that hydro power projects were the second largest contributor of India's energy demand, Madan said this sector received the least priority as compared to thermal projects despite being the most efficient and economical energy source.

Bemoaning that power supply position of India was declining day-by-day due to lack of fuel, poor implementation and poorer hydro-thermal mix, he said it is essential to have 40-60 mix of hydro, thermal and other sources of energy to have a satisfactory power supply position.
"At the end of the 11th plan, this mix was 21-79, creating an imbalance in the power management," said Madan, former Executive Director of NHPC Ltd.
On pros and cons of hydro power development, Madan said today's hydel plants had an efficiency of more than 90 per cent and they had low operational and maintenance costs once the project was commissioned.

On the flip side are high upfront costs when building large hydel plants, large displacement and relief and rehabilitation issues, submergence of vast areas and opposition by pro-environment lobbies.