MOP and DRDO plans to reduce effects on hydropower

The Ministry of Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defense today for the implementation of an early warning system for vulnerable hydro projects and power stations. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defense (R&D), and Chairman, DRDO, signed the MoU.
The Ministry of Power and DRDO will jointly work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes, and other geo-hazards. The expertise of the DRDO will also be utilised in developing a comprehensive early warning system for vulnerable hydro projects and power stations in hilly regions. Separate and specific tasks will be formulated between the DRDO and the respective project developer(s) in accordance with the broad understanding developed through this MoU.
The Ministry of Power has taken the initiative to implement an Early Warning System (EWS) in hydropower projects, particularly those located in the upper reaches of hilly regions, under the visionary leadership of Union Minister of Power and NRE, R. K. Singh. EWS is an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting, and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication, and preparedness for timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events. The Ministry of Power has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG, and NRSC-ISRO for the implementation of EWS.