Sustainability indicators for run of the river (RoR) hydropower projects in hydro rich regions of India

Any hydropower project whether mega, large or small is to be weighed for sustainability at the time of its inception. Without proper sustainability assessment, the project may face many problems during its construction or/and operational phase(s). Legally also, this aspect has been made mandatory in many countries across the globe to check the feasibility of the project from sustainability point of view beforehand. This study intends to emphasise sustainability of run of the river (RoR) hydropower projects in hydro rich regions of India where these types of projects are being undertaken on a large scale. In addition, this study has compiled a list of sustainability indicators which may be of use for policy makers and designers while planning RoR projects in hydro rich regions of India and similar regions throughout the world.