Hydroelectric Projects & Dams of Meghalaya
The hydroelectric projects in Meghalaya use the steep gradients and high rainfall of the Meghalaya Plateau. The Umiam-Umtru system forms the historic core of state hydropower, while the 126 MW Myntdu-Leshka Hydroelectric Project is the largest individual operating state project listed by MeECL.
MeECL currently lists 356.2 MW of existing generating capacity across nine state power stations.
Existing Hydroelectric Power Stations of Meghalaya
| Power Station | Installed Capacity |
|---|---|
| Umiam Stage I | 36 MW |
| Umiam Stage II | 20 MW |
| Umiam Stage III | 60 MW |
| Umiam Stage IV | 60 MW |
| Umtru Power Station | 11.2 MW |
| Sonapani HEP | 1.5 MW |
| Leshka HEP | 126 MW |
| New Umtru HEP | 40 MW |
| Lakroh | 1.5 MW |
Total listed capacity: 356.2 MW.
Umiam Hydroelectric System
The Umiam system is the best-known hydropower complex in Meghalaya. Umiam Stage I began commercial operation in the 1960s and the reservoir created behind the dam became the famous Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani.
Successive downstream stages—Umiam II, III and IV—use water through a cascade system, making the basin one of the classic examples of multi-stage hydropower development in Northeast India.
Umtru and New Umtru
The Umtru system includes the older 11.2 MW Umtru Power Station and the 40 MW New Umtru HEP. These projects use the steep northern drainage of the plateau.
Myntdu-Leshka Hydroelectric Project
The Leshka HEP on the Myntdu-Leshka river system has an installed capacity of 126 MW from three 42 MW units. It is a run-of-river project and an important source of state generation in the Jaintia Hills.
Other Hydroelectric Stations
MeECL also lists the 1.5 MW Sonapani HEP and 1.5 MW Lakroh station. Small hydropower can be useful in mountain terrain, but site-specific flow, sediment and ecological conditions determine feasibility.
Major Dams and Reservoirs
Umiam Reservoir is the state's most famous hydropower reservoir and is also a major tourism landmark. Other schemes use pondage, diversion structures and smaller impoundments rather than large multipurpose reservoirs.
Hydropower Potential
Heavy monsoon rainfall, deeply incised valleys and short steep rivers create substantial hydropower potential. However, annual rainfall alone does not guarantee reliable generation: dry-season flow, catchment degradation, sediment, geology and demand patterns are equally important.
Environmental and Planning Issues
- Catchment erosion and reservoir sedimentation
- Downstream environmental flow
- Aquatic biodiversity
- Land acquisition and community rights
- Dam safety and extreme rainfall
- Changes to river tourism and local fisheries
Hydroelectric Projects of Meghalaya for MPSC
Umiam Stage I: 36 MW
Umiam Stage II: 20 MW
Umiam Stage III: 60 MW
Umiam Stage IV: 60 MW
Myntdu-Leshka: 126 MW
New Umtru: 40 MW
Total existing MePGCL capacity listed by MeECL: 356.2 MW
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the largest operating state hydroelectric project in Meghalaya?
Among the existing stations listed by MeECL, Leshka HEP has the largest individual installed capacity at 126 MW.
Which dam created Umiam Lake?
The Umiam hydropower development created Umiam Reservoir, popularly known as Barapani.
How much existing generating capacity does MeECL list?
356.2 MW across the listed MePGCL stations.
Conclusion
Hydropower in Meghalaya is built around the Umiam-Umtru cascade and Myntdu-Leshka system. Future development must combine energy needs with catchment conservation, dam safety, environmental flow and the rights of communities dependent on river landscapes.
Read More from AAMMNEST
Sources Consulted
- Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited – Existing Power Station
- Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited
- Draft Meghalaya Power Policy 2024