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Hydropower generation is one of the oldest ways of power generation [10]. With an installed capacity of 4,600 MW (as per March 2020) which accounts for a total of 12.3% total installed capacity in India holds fifth place in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on the global scenario.

Traditionally, potential energy stored in dammed is converted into electrical energy. Based on the height of water, three types of turbines are used. It is capable of instant start. It can take the load at a rate of 20 MW/minute. Therefore, it can be used to meet out peak load periods.

Three gauges project in China on the Yang-Yang river is the largest power station in the world having installed capacity of around 18,200 MW. Tehri hydropower complex is built across the Bagirathi River in Uttarakhand with a proposed capacity of 2,400 MW is the tallest hydropower project in India. The hydropower plants of less than 25 MW come under Ministry of New and Renewable energy and above 25 MW are under the Ministry of Power. The construction of massive dams submerges large areas that may lead to the color change of the land. Some hydro project submerges rain forests which will add to global warming impacts. Because of heavy construction requirements, it needs high capital cost and long gestation period compared to thermal plants [11].