New Delhi, April 26 -- India is set to accelerate its clean energy transition in hilly and remote areas with a targeted push for small hydro power, aiming to add 1,500 Megawatts (MW) of capacity over the next five years while generating 51 lakh person-days of employment during construction.

The Union Cabinet's newly approved Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore, seeks to harness the country's vast untapped potential and strengthen energy access in underserved regions.

"By promoting decentralised and locally generated power, the scheme seeks to deliver reliable electricity to remote and difficult-to-access regions while reducing dependence on conventional fuels," the government said in a press r...