India has small hydro capacity of 19,749 mw at 6,474 sites

NEW DELHI: Government has recognised 6,474 ' Small Hydro Power ( SHP)' sites with an aggregate capacity of 19,749 mw. Financial assistance to the tune of Rs 150 crore is being provided to the states by the centre for the development of small hydro-power projects.

The total funds released under SHP programme during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 were Rs 151.99 crores, Rs 154.45 crores and Rs 158.92 crores respectively.

The ministry of new and renewable energy is providing ' Central Financial Assistance (CFA)' to set up small/micro hydro projects both in public and private sectors.

Financial support is also given to the state government for identification of new potential sites including survey and preparation of detailed project reports, renovation and modernization of old SHP projects and water mills.

So far, 985 small hydro power projects with an aggregate capacity of 3754 mw have been set up and 265 projects aggregating to 945 mw are under implementation in various states.