Hydroelectric power plants in India play a crucial role in meeting the country’s growing energy needs through clean and renewable energy sources. In 2025, India continues to be one of the leading producers of hydroelectricity, thanks to its vast network of rivers and favorable geographic conditions.
Hydropower is generated by using the force of moving water—usually from dams built on rivers—to turn turbines that produce electricity. This process is environment-friendly, cost-effective, and supports India’s commitment to sustainable development and green energy goals.
What is Hydroelectric Power?
Hydroelectric power means making electricity from moving water. It usually comes from rivers or dams.
How It Works:
- Water from a dam flows down with great force.
- This force turns a machine called a turbine.
- The turbine runs a generator that makes electricity.
Key Formula to Remember:
Water + Turbine + Generator = Electricity
Why is Hydroelectric Power Important for India?
- Renewable: Water is naturally available and reused.
- Pollution-Free: No smoke or harmful gases.
- Economical in the Long Run – Low operational costs after construction.
- Flood Control: Dams also store water and prevent floods.
- Irrigation: Helps farmers get water for crops.
- Controls Floods – Stores excess rainwater during monsoons.
List of Hydroelectric Power Plants in India
Let’s look at some of the famous hydroelectric plants in India. You can memorize the top ones using a simple table.
| States | River | Hydroelectric Power Plant |
| Andhra Pradesh | Krishna | Nagarjunasagar Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Andhra Pradesh | Krishna | Srisailam Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Andhra Pradesh, Orissa | Machkund | Machkund Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Gujarat | Narmada | Sardar Sarovar Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Gujarat | Tapi River | Ukai Dam |
| Himachal Pradesh | Baira | Baira-Siul Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | Bhakra Nangal Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Beas | Dehar Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Chenab | Salal Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jhelum | Uri Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Jharkhand | Subarnarekha | Subarnarekha Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Jharkhand | Barakar River | Maithon Hydel Power Station |
| Karnataka | Kalinadi | Kalinadi Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Karnataka | Sharavathi | Sharavathi Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Karnataka | Kaveri | Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Kerala | Periyar | Idukki Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Madhya Pradesh | Sone | Bansagar Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | Indira Sagar Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh | Rihand | Rihand Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Madhya Pradesh | Sindh River | Madikheda Dam |
| Madhya Pradesh | Narmada River | Bargi Dam |
| Maharashtra | Koyna | Koyna Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Maharashtra | Bhima River | Ujjani Dam, also known as Bhima Dam |
| Maharashtra | Godavari River | Jayakwadi Dam |
| Maharashtra | Mula River | Mulshi Dam |
| Manipur | Leimtak | Loktak Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Odisha | Sileru | Balimela Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Odisha | Mahanadi | Hirakud Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Odisha | Indravati River | Indravati Dam |
| Sikkim | Rangit | Rangit Hydroelectric Power plant |
| Sikkim | Teesta | Teesta Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Uttarakhand | Bhagirathi | Tehri Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Baspa | Baspa-II Hydro Electric Power plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Satluj | Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Electric Power Plant |
| Himachal Pradesh | Beas | Pandoh Dam |
| Himachal Pradesh | Ravi | Chamera-I |
| Himachal Pradesh | Ravi | Chamera-II |
| Himachal Pradesh | Beas | Pong |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Chenab | Dulhasti |
| Uttar Pradesh | Rihand/Renuka | Obra Hydroelectric Power Plant |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Subansiri River | Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project |
| Meghalaya | Umiam River | Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project |
Hydroelectric Power Plants in India Map
Quick Revision Table 💡
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy Type | Hydroelectric (Renewable) |
| Resource Used | Water (Rivers, Dams) |
| Clean or Polluting? | Clean (No Pollution) |
| India’s Tallest Dam | Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand) |
| India’s Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant | Koyna Hydroelectric Project (Koyna River, Maharashtra) |
| India’s First Hydro Electric Power Plant | Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power Station (Darjeeling, West Bengal) |
Top FAQs about Hydroelectric Power Plants in India
1. What is India’s estimated hydroelectric power potential, and how much has been utilized so far?
India’s estimated hydroelectric potential is approximately 1,48,701 MW. As of recent assessments, about 15% of this potential has been harnessed, indicating significant scope for further development in the sector.
2. Which is the oldest hydroelectric power plant in India?
The Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power Plant, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is considered India’s oldest. Commissioned in 1897, it had an initial installed capacity of 130 kW and marked the beginning of hydroelectric power generation in the country.
3. What are the different types of hydroelectric power plants?
Hydroelectric power plants are categorized based on their design and operation:
- Run-of-River Plants: Utilize the natural flow of rivers without significant storage.
- Reservoir (Storage) Plants: Use dams to store water and release it as needed.
- Pumped Storage Plants: Pump water to a higher elevation during low demand and release it to generate power during peak demand.
- Diversion (Channel) Plants: Divert a portion of the river flow through a canal or penstock.
4. Why is hydropower considered a renewable and clean source of energy?
Hydropower is deemed renewable because it relies on the Earth’s water cycle, driven by the sun, ensuring a continuous supply. It’s clean as it doesn’t emit greenhouse gases or pollutants during operation, making it environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources.
5. Which is the largest hydroelectric power plant in India?
The Koyna Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra is the largest in India. This complex project comprises four dams, with the main dam on the Koyna River, and has a significant installed capacity contributing substantially to the state’s power supply.
Why Do Exams Ask About Hydroelectric Plants?
In exams like SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and state-level exams, questions are often asked from the Geography and General Awareness sections. You may be asked:
- The location of a power plant
- The river on which it is built
- Its importance or special feature
Conclusion
Hydroelectric power plants are a pillar of India’s energy infrastructure, offering a clean, green, and sustainable way to meet our electricity needs. With an extensive network of rivers and dams, India continues to expand its hydroelectric capacity, making it a crucial topic for various government exams like SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and State PSCs.
