A few decades ago, hydroelectric projects were considered a clean source of energy. The present study aims to assess the biomass and soil carbon (C) stock in the hydroelectric catchment in India and further, its implications to mitigate GHG emissions. The estimation depicts the low ‘C’ stock in the reservoir’s catchment in comparison to reservoirs located globally in the same eco-region which will ultimately result in lower GHG emission in the future. Moreover, estimated total carbon density of the forest species was found as 54.92 ± 18.07 MgC.ha⁻¹ while mean SOC was 79.64 ± 19.32 MgC.ha⁻¹. The average total ‘C’ stock of Tehri hydroelectric reservoir’s catchment was estimated as 134.56 MgC.ha⁻¹. Moreover, ratios (total flooded carbon/installed capacity) comprised between 4 and304 kgC/W from the other reservoirs reported globally. These ratios are higher than the Tehri reservoir (0.28 kgC/W) as flooded area of Tehri reservoir during impoundment was 52 km². Thus, Tehri reservoir was found to emit less GHG in time to come. The present study helps the hydropower industries, policymakers, and environmentalists in designing the catchment area treatment plan to minimize the negative impact of GHG on climate change.

几十年前，水电项目被认为是清洁能源。本研究旨在评估印度水力流域的生物量和土壤碳（C）存量，以及其对减少温室气体排放的影响。估算结果表明，与位于同一生态区域的全球水库相比，水库集水区的“ C”储量较低，这最终将导致未来的温室气体排放量降低。此外，估计森林物种的总碳密度为54.92±18.07 MgC.ha ^-1，而平均SOC为79.64±19.32 MgC.ha ^-1。Tehri水库集水区的平均“ C”储量估计为134.56 MgC.ha ^-1。此外，全球报告的其他储层的比率（总淹没碳/装机容量）介于4和304 kgC / W之间。这些比率高于Tehri水库（0.28 kgC / W），因为在蓄水期间Tehri水库的洪水面积为52 km ²。因此，发现Tehri水库将在未来及时排放更少的温室气体。本研究有助于水电行业，政策制定者和环保主义者设计集水区处理计划，以最大程度地减少温室气体对气候变化的负面影响。