PRESENT SCENARIO AND CHALLENGES OF SMALL HYDRO POWER DAM IN INDIA. A REVIEW

Small hydropower (SHP) plays a crucial role in India's renewable energy landscape, offering a sustainable and decentralized solution for energy production. Defined by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as projects with capacities up to 25 MW, SHP combines economic, environmental, and social benefits. Unlike large hydropower projects, SHP minimizes environmental disruptions, requires less land, and supports rural electrification. With an installed capacity of approximately 5,084 MW as of 2024, SHP contributes significantly to rural energy needs, particularly in remote and mountainous regions.India's SHP potential, estimated at 21,000 MW, remains underutilized due to challenges such as high capital costs, regulatory hurdles, and environmental concerns. Government initiatives, including capital subsidies, concessional loans, and streamlined approvals, aim to enhance SHP adoption. Technological advancements, such as efficient turbines and digital monitoring systems, have expanded SHP's feasibility in diverse terrains, boosting its scalability and competitiveness with other renewable sources. However, SHP projects promote socioeconomic development by generating local employment, improving irrigation, and stabilizing energy supply. They align with India’s renewable energy goals, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Environmental considerations, such as sediment management and biodiversity conservation, remain integral to project planning. Therefore, the collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital to overcoming financing challenges and optimizing project implementation. SHP’s potential to meet decentralized energy demands, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster rural development underscores its pivotal role in India's sustainable energy future.