Understanding the governance of micro and mini hydro projects in Uttarakhand
Student name: Mr Nitish Kanetkar
Guide: Mr Sapan Thapar
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: TERI University
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Kamna Sachdeva
Abstract: The aim of the study is to understand the governance of micro and mini hydro project operations
in Uttarakhand. The total potential of SHP in India stands at 19749MW and out of which only
3803MW has been exploited. India has pledged to achieve 175GW of renewable energy capacity
by 2022. Out of this, it is targeted to reach 5GW of renewable energy through Small Hydro
Projects (SHPs). The SHP potential of Uttarakhand amounts to 9% of the countries potential.
Exploiting the Uttarakhand’s potential can significantly contribute to the national target. In the
12 th plan, the government had proposed SHP development at a rate of 250MW/year. Some
analysts also estimate that even with capacity addition rate of 600MW/year the government will
not be able to exploit the full potential. All these figures and targets are excellent but, the
commissioned projects must be sustainable, and they must continuously contribute to the society.
Along with technology, even deliberations must happen on the topics like administrative aspects,
the effect on local livelihood and users' ability to use power; thus enriching the governance of the
sector.
Presently Uttarakhand has 101 SHPs and out of which 78 are Micro and Mini hydro projects. In
these 78 projects, 77 are owned by government agencies, and a majority of them operate in the
decentralised mode. Presently there are three administrative models. To understand the
governance of MHPs different models of project administration were studied by visiting the sites
and by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The reviewed projects were
assessed using SWOT analysis.
Keywords: SHP, MHP, VEC, livelihood, administration, benefit-sharing
