Synopsis Energy is one of the basic inputs to accelerated economic development Hydroenergy is perhaps (he oldest and yet most readily exploitable source of energy with bulk of its potential yet to be harnessed in many countries, including India. Hydroelectric power has become an increasingly important energy source for India's economic development owing to the availability of water resources in large quantities that can be tapped for power generation. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has assessed the hydro potential in the country to the tune of 84,000 MW; at a plant load factor of 60% Mobilization of resources for achieving self-sufficiency in the power sector assumes high priority in almost all states in the country. Decimation of forests in the catchments area are also expected to lead to high rates of sitation in the reservoirs created by dams, which ultimately reduce the projected life of the project.