what is the importance of hydel power plant in india

India and its neighbours have a large number of perennial rivers and this has an unrealised potential of around 176,000 Mw of hydro power . It is thus teh best possible souce of power. Hydel power helps in teh following ways:

i) Peaking capacity : It is the best option to meet the peaking requirements of the country's demand. Gas, while eminently suitable for addressing peaking demand, is constrained.

ii) Carbon footprint : Hydro power clearly provides an effective mitigant to counter the high carbon footprint embedded in fossil fuel usage.

iii) Energy secu rity: Nothing can take away the need to reduce the dependence on sources outside the country.

iv) Multi-purpose benefits : Hydro projects can provide multi-purpose benefits to the country with benefits accruing for both irrigation and flood control.

v) Life-cycle : Economically, these plants are far more attractive on account of their longevity and limited maintenance requirements. Bhakra Nangal remains a shining example of this.