Hydropower is a renewable, non-polluting and environmentally benign source of energy.  It is perhaps the oldest renewable energy technique known to the mankind for mechanical energy conversion as well as electricity generation.

Hydropower represents use of water resources towards inflation free energy due to absence of fuel cost with mature technology characterized by highest prime moving efficiency and spectacular operational flexibility. Out of the total power generation installed capacity of 1,48,265 MW (April,2009) in the country, hydro power contributes about 25% i.e. 36,877 MW.