Chairman of Bhakra Beas Management Board AB Agrawal addressed thaudience in inaugural session of one day seminar on 'Hydro Power - Tapping the Untapped' organized by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in Delhi.
Emphasizing on the need of tapping the untapped huge hydro potential in the country for energy security, water security and food security, Agrawal said that hydro power is most viable and durable form of energy as other medium like thermal, nuclear, etc. have their own limitations. He also illustrated the example of Bhakra and Pong Dams due to which besides 2865 MW power generation, an area of 55 lac hectares is also irrigated. Due to BBMB projects an annual contribution to nation's economy by way of agro products and milk products is about Rs1,12,000 Crores, he said.Agrawal said this contribution is 1.35 per cent of GDP, which is highest by any organization of India. However, he made a point that tremendous resistance by the project affected families and environmentalists in development of hydro projects have to be addressed appropriately by imparting proper education failing which hydro potential would remain untapped.