Use Of Water Powered Mills In Himalayan Regions

The earliest documented use of watermills was in the third century in Greece where Perachora wheels were used. These mills slowly modified and developed over time period and they were mostly famous in Britain at that time. People were well accustomed with these water mills and used it to fulfill basic requirements.

With different revolutions that took place over many decades, people changed and the methods changed as well. When people were in agricultural stage there was massive utilization of these water-powered mills but soon industrial evolution took place and mills were replaced with modern machineries, equipment and turbines. Industrial revolution changed jobs opportunities and brought new prospects in now developed countries like UK, USA, Canada and many others. But the poor countries still remained in same place.

Many poor countries like Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia has improved drastically and has become developed countries but still many countries lack behind in development. Energy distribution is a difficult task and it becomes more problematic because of difficult land structure. If we are to take example, Nepal is one the countries which is in developing state. Many parts of it are completely urbanized and have all the facilities but other remote parts lack even the basic necessity of fuel energy.

It is so because of difficult and varied land topography within the country. People living in mountainous regions lack many basic needs because of no proper transportation. People can’t reach up to these places and establish energy plants or power grids. In such case, it makes people to be dependent on use of water-mills which were established decades ago. These mills are green energy source which does no harm to environment or people’s health. Even though, these mills have ancient beginning these mills are of great utilization in developing countries like Nepal and India where there is abundance of water resources.

Water-powered mills are powered from water. There has to be continuous flow of water so the turbines keep moving and generates. One of the major uses of these mills is for grinding purposes. Millet, barley, rice, buckwheat and other corns are grinded in flour which can makes the storing process easier and doesn’t let the cultivation go to waste. These makes people living in remote mountainous region easier and the production remains major source of staple.

Water-powered mills are also used for electricity generation depending upon the capacity of mill and water flow. Kerosene is the most used fuel source in these mountainous region and people mostly live in un-ventilated houses which makes them dangerous. Depending upon water flow and power generation, particular mill can generate certain power which could potentially light up an entire village. CFLs bulbs are much safer and better option than kerosene lamps and the power generated from mills could easily light them.

Water-mills could be ancient power source but still they are major power provider in under-developed parts of the world. Installing these mills requires joint effort and low cost. Practical Answers provides information on Specifications for water mill which could act as battery charger. Water-mills are low-cost, low-maintenance and efficient energy system for remote Himalayan regions. Making the information accessible to people on these informational ideas could prove to be boon for them. Water-mills could be ultimate energy source in developing mountainous regions.