Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5. Climate change is likely to increase the potential of hydropower generation in India but it has associated risks. India needs to take a well-balanced approach towards clean energy sources for sustainable development. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , The Hindu
Why the question:
Based on observations and climate projections, a two-member team from IIT Gandhinagar studied the hydroclimatic changes in the catchment areas and their implications for hydropower generation in 46 major dams located in north, central and south India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of climate change on hydropower potential, opportunities and risks associated with it and need for a balanced approach on clean energy.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining hydroelectric energy and give the statistic highlighting extent of it being generated in India.
Body:
First, write about the possible impact of climate change on hydropower generation and how it will lead to hydroclimatic changes in the catchment areas. Write about the various opportunities and risks associated with the same.
Next, write about the need to have well balanced approach of all clean energy sources – Solar, Atomic, Wind, Biomass, hydrogen, Bio mass etc in order to have sustainable development.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
