Power Ministry Signs MoU with DRDO for Early Warning System Implementation for Vulnerable Hydro Projects

The Ministry of Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for the implementation of an early warning system for vulnerable hydro projects/power stations.
 
As per the MoU, the expertise of DRDO will also be utilized in developing a comprehensive early warning system for vulnerable hydro projects/ power stations in hilly regions.
 
In this regard, the MoU was signed between Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) & Chairman, DRDO.
 
In line with this, both the organisations will jointly work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes and other geo-hazards.
 
Although, Power Ministry has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG and NRSC-ISRO for implementation of EWS.
 
Moreover, separate and specific tasks will be formulated between DRDO and respective project developer(s) in agreement with broad understanding developed through this MoU.
 
Power Ministry in a statement said that “Under the visionary leadership of the Union Minister of Power & NRE, R. K. Singh, Ministry of Power has taken the initiative of implementing Early Warning System (EWS) in the Hydro Power Projects especially those located in upper reaches of Hilly regions.”
 
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.