RAS question
The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (FY 2026-31) approved by the Union Cabinet targets how many MW of new capacity?
Correct answer: (D) 1,500 MW.
The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 targets installation of about 1,500 MW of new small hydro capacity.
Explanation
The Union Cabinet approved the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs. 2,584.60 crore for installing small hydro projects of about 1,500 MW. The project size band matters: the scheme supports small hydro projects between 1 MW and 25 MW, so the capacity target is an aggregate national addition, not the size of one plant. The support design also makes the target ambitious: central financial assistance is higher for North Eastern states and districts with international borders, while other states receive a lower per-MW or project-cost-linked support. The scheme is expected to mobilise Rs. 15,000 crore of investment and support 51 lakh person-days of employment.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 500 MW is too low; the approved scheme targets installation of small hydro projects of approximately 1,500 MW.
- (B) 800 MW is below the Cabinet-approved capacity figure of approximately 1,500 MW for the scheme period.
- (C) 1,000 MW understates the target; the planned aggregate capacity is about 1,500 MW.
Concept
This tests government clean-energy schemes, especially the link between renewable-energy targets, central financial assistance and regional development. Such capacity and outlay figures recur in RAS because Cabinet-approved schemes often connect science and technology with economy, infrastructure and Rajasthan-relevant policy analysis.