Introduction

Hydropower has been one of the sources of energy harnessed for centuries in different parts of the world. Around the beginning of 20th Century more efficient hydro power plants developed in different parts of the globe were used for small hydropower generation. Recently, interest in the mini and small hydropower has increased in many countries, especially in developing countries including China and India. Small hydro power has generated a great deal of interest because they are easily utilizable source of energy and as a moderate investment method for providing electricity to far flung areas in the hilly regions. Generation of electricity through small hydro electric projects is environmental friendly as compared to most other plants run by fossil fuels and therefore it can play an important role in protection of environment and in maintenance of ecological balance especially for the isolated hilly areas...