ABSTRACT
The optimum development of water Resources is considered to be key element in the socio economic development of a country. India is endowed with abundant water resources which can be broadly classified in six major river systems. Apart from meeting requirements for drinking water, irrigation and flood control etc., Hydro Power ,a cheap, environment friendly and renewable source of energy forms an important parameter in evolving a frame work for formulation of river basin plans.
The need for optimum development of Hydro Electric Resources has been duly recognised for meeting the ever increasing demand for power requirements in the country. The paper highlights the issues and constraints associated with harnessing of the vast hydro electric potential in various river basins of the country about 75% of which is yet to be tapped. The role of basin-wise Hydro Electric Surveys of India particularly, the large scale development of Multipurpose-River Valley Projects which ushered an era of green revolution in the post independence era have also been discussed.
The bulk of Hydro Electric potential of India is located in river basins of Himalayan region which is ecologically sensitive. There has also been greater environment awareness and emphasis on sustainable development of water resources. An attempt has been made to highlight the imperative to have a re-look into the Hydro Electric potential considering environmental aspects & additional data on consumptive uses of water for various purposes. The detailed studies to firm up the parameters of hydel projects identified in various river basins are necessary to facilitate maximizing benefits and prioritizing execution of projects in the basin as a whole.
