TEESTA LOW DAM -IV Hydroelectric Power Plant, India | 160 MW Capacity

TEESTA LOW DAM -IV is a hydroelectric power plant situated in India, operating with a capacity of 160 megawatts. As a run-of-river or low dam facility, it utilizes the natural flow of the Teesta River to generate electricity, contributing to India's renewable energy portfolio. The plant is currently operational and plays a role in supplying clean power to the region. The plant's technology is typical of hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan foothills, where steep gradients and abundant water resources enable efficient power generation. India's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental impact assessments and water use permits under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The plant's capacity of 160 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric facilities in the country. Environmentally, hydroelectric power offers low direct emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, but its ecological footprint includes alterations to river flow and aquatic habitats. The Teesta River basin supports diverse ecosystems, and the plant's operations are subject to minimum flow requirements to sustain downstream ecology. The electricity generated supports grid stability and reduces reliance on coal-fired power in the region.

The Teesta River basin in the Eastern Himalayas is ecologically sensitive, hosting diverse flora and fauna. Hydroelectric projects like TEESTA LOW DAM -IV can alter river hydrology, affecting sediment transport and aquatic life. The plant's low dam design may reduce some impacts compared to large reservoirs, but still requires careful management of downstream flows. India's environmental regulations mandate environmental flow releases and biodiversity conservation measures for such projects.