What are the benefits of multipurpose hydropower projects over normal hydro plants with only generation facilities?
Multipurpose hydropower projects score over dedicated generation projects on several fronts. Besides generating low-cost green energy, such projects result in holistic water management, including water storage and its controlled release for irrigation, drinking, etc. Also, such projects create massive water reservoirs which mitigate the fury of flood. Multipurpose projects lead to integrated development of the project area, including development of infrastructure and recreational facilities like camping and boating, unleashing the tourism potential of project area, development of fisheries, community development works, etc. A big chunk of Indias cultivable land does not have access to irrigation facilities. India also faces growing peaking power shortage. How can multipurpose hydropower projects help in addressing the twin challenges? Hydropower projects are an excellent tool for providing peaking power. In fact, BBMB power houses have been instrumental in providing peaking power suppo
