Hydropower projects leads to the transformation of ecosystems by the creation of reservoirs and/or through important modifications to flow regimes. The nature and magnitude of impacts is highly site specific, vary significantly from one project to another and vary according to the biotopes in which projects are situated.

Inception of Omkareshwar Project dates back to year 1955, when CWPC prepared a report on hydroelectric potential of entire Narmada river and the project has been mentioned as "Barwaha". It was also seconded in Khosla Committee report in 1965.