Synopsis Electricity is a vital infrastructure for economic development. It touches every segment of the economy and the life of every individual. There is an urgent need to increase power generation for industrial development as well as to improve the quality of life of the vast population. Hydroelectric power generation has been a major contributor to utility system throughout the world.

It is rapidly changing and expanding world-wide supplying one-fifth of electricity. The economic advantages of hydropower has been enhanced in the recent years with steep increases in the energy cost from fossil fuels and the rapidly approaching limit of the exploitable resources of such fuels. In this book, the author has systematically investigated the relationship between hydroelectricity and economic development in India. The effects of hydropower projects on the Satluj River Valley on the environment and the quality of life have also been examined.

The policy-makers, researchers and students of economics may find the book useful.