Though bestowed with an abundance of aquatic resources, Himachal has so far been able to harness just about 38 per cent of its total identified hydro power generation potential.
The hill state has a total identified hydro power potential of 27,436 MW, but only 10,547 MW has been harnessed so far, according to data compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) that functions under the Union Ministry of Power.
The high initial cost of setting up hydro power projects, long gestation period as well as relatively low private sector participation are a deterrent to exploiting the potential.
