New Delhi, Nov. 1 -- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is set to introduce a dedicated Small Hydro Policy aimed at accelerating clean-energy growth in India's North-Eastern region, New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Friday.

Speaking at a regional renewable-energy workshop in Guwahati, Joshi said the policy will support projects tailored to the region's hilly and river-rich geography, which is conducive to small hydro development.

Joshi noted that while the North-East has an estimated renewable-energy potential of 122 GW, only 5.1 GW has been installed so far.

He urged states to fast-track adoption of central programmes, including PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, pointing out that ju...