Gharats (watermills): Indigenous device for sustainable development of renewable hydro-energy in Uttrakhand Himalayas

Ramesh C. Sharma, Yashpal Bisht, Rekha Sharma and Deepak Singh

Renewable Energy, 2008, vol. 33, issue 10, 2199-2206

Abstract: The Himalaya has a rich ancient tradition for tapping hydro-energy from the hill streams and rivers through the device of gharats (watermills). The present contribution encompasses the study on the energy consumption pattern of hill communities living in buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a world heritage site located in Garhwal Himalayas, India, The current status of gharats, the factors responsible for the neglect of this renewable energy device, initiatives taken for upgrading for their revival have been highlighted. Field and policy level opportunities and constraints associated with promotion of such hydro-energy in the study area by upgrading of traditional watermills are analysed and suitable options for removing impediments are suggested.

Keywords: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve; Bhotia community; Gharats; Microhydel; Barter system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:33:y:2008:i:10:p:2199-2206

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2007.12.023

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