Hydroelectric Projects in Uttar Pradesh

The hydel power in Uttar Pradesh has been developed due to a lack of power resources, viz petroleum and coal. Before 1947, few hydroelectric stations were developed in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Hydroelectric Projects in Uttar Pradesh: The hydel power in Uttar Pradesh has been developed due to a lack of power resources, viz petroleum and coal. Before 1947, few hydroelectric stations were developed in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Ganga Electric Grid, Sharda Canal Project, and Rihand Valley Project are important electric projects in the state that are very important to meet its energy requirement.

In this article, we will discuss the major Hydroelectric Projects in Uttar Pradesh that are strategically very vital to the prospects of the economy of the state along with other essential amenities.

Some of the Important Hydroelectric Projects in Uttar Pradesh are described below:
RIHAND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

It is the most important multi-purpose project. The Rihand dam has been built near Pipri in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh (1962).
The reservoir behind this dam is also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar. It has a total installed capacity of 300 MW.
It is the largest man-made lake in India.

KHARA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

It has an installed capacity of 72 MW. It has three units. The first unit was commissioned in 1986 and the last one in 1992.
It is operated by Uttar Pradesh Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UPJVNL).

SHARDA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

The Sharda Barrage on the Sharda river (Mahakali river) was built in the 1920s under an agreement signed between British India and Nepal.
It still regulates the diversion of the (Sharda) Mahakali river exclusively for the purpose of irrigation and power in Uttar Pradesh.
It was also attached with Ganga Grid system.
Districts like Pilibhit, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Kheri, Sitapur and Lucknow are getting electricity from this project for agriculture, industries and other works.

GANGA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

Most of the projects are situated on the river Ganga. Pathri (Saharanpur), Muhammadpur (Saharanpur), Nirgrajani, Chitwara, Salawa (Muzaffarnagar), Bhola (Meerut), Palra (Bulandshahr) and Sunmera (Aligarh) are the major hydroelectric power projects on the river Ganga.
It has total installed capacity of 7 MW.

MATATILA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

It is located in Lalitpur District. It was constructed on bank of the river Betwa.
It provides electricity for industries, agriculture and domestic use of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
It has an installed capacity of 6 MW.