STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MINI/MICRO HYDRO POWER IN NAGALAND

Abstract

Nagaland is one of the riches in terms of its biodiversity and river drainage systems in India. The monsoon rains coupled with the mountainous terrain are-a natural potential. There is enormous scope for economic upliftmnet and development for the people of Nagaland by harnessing the existing hydropower potential especially in the range of mini/ micro hydropower in Nagaland. The scope of use of hydropower potential through mini/ micro hydropower is very much needed in the rural villages of Nagaland, considering the existing hydropower potential, site conditions, and remoteness of the area. Sustainability of the system will entail long-term preservation of local resources, minimum ecological damage and reduction in dependence on imports of primary energies. So far, no systematic study has been done to make a programme of sustainable development through mini:/micro hydropower development in Nagaland. Under the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the potential of mini/micro in Nagaland. It has been found that there is a enormous hydropower potential of mini/micro hydro range. A potential of about 52 MW from 130 potential sites for mini hydro and about 1040 potential sites for micro range with a hydropower potential of 66MW has been estimated in the state. It is observed that there are more sites and scope for further investigation and development for small hydropower (SHP) in Nagaland.