A society refers to a group of individual who share common values, norms and interactions within a specific geographical or social boundary.

Types of Society:

1. Tribal Society:

• People live in small groups close to nature.
• Usually rely on hunting, gathering or simple farming.
• Strong sense of community and shared traditions.

2. Agrarian Society:

• People live in village or small town.
• Mainly depends on farming for pond and resource.
• Society is centered around agriculture and land ownership.

3. Industrial Society:

• People live in large cities and urban areas.
• People have various job beyond farming.
• Society focuses on production, industry and urban living.

Essential elements of society:

• Culture: Shared beliefs, value, custom, language and tradition.
• Social norms: Social rules on how we act and talk with each other.
• Social institution: Organized structure like family, education, religion and government.
• Economic system: Resource are produced, distributed and consumed.
• Communication: Exchange information through language and technology.
• Political system: Governance, laws and decision.
• Social hierarchy: Important people based on status, power and wealth.

1.2 Factors and classical theories of social change

Factors causing social change:

• Technology advancement
• Economic change
• Cultural shifts
• Political movement
• Environmental factors
• Demographic change
• Education and media
• Health advanced
• Conflicts and wars

Classical theories of social change:

1. Cyclical:

• Society goes through repetitive cycle of change, returning to similar pattern over time.
• Example: Season Change.

2. Evolution:

• Society progress and develop over time, moving towards more complex and advanced forms.
• Example: Hunting-gathering groups to advanced industrial societies.

3. Functional:

• Change happen to maintain balance and harmony in society, fulfilling necessary function.
• Example: Economic changes ensures enough resources to all people.

4. Conflict:

• Change is driven by conflicts and struggle between different groups varying interest.
• Example: Labor strikes leading to better working condition.

1.3 Impacts and Consequences of technology on socio-economic parameters

1.4 Effects of major technological development

1.5 Roles of engineers in society

• To tackle real world challenge and find solution.
• Create new technologies, product and system.
• Create plans and blueprints of building and products.
• Ensure structure and technologies are safe to use.
• Develop eco-friendly solution and reduce impact.
• Explore new possibilities and improve existing technologies.
• Shape the future by creating and advancing technology.
• Promote sustainable development.

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

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Micro hydropower plant:

• It is a small-scale hydropower that typically produce upto 100 KW of electricity using natural flow of water.

Scope:

• Generates from 5 KW to 100 KW of power.
• Can be used in remote and rural parts.
• Suitable for area which have reliable source of water.
• Can be used in place with limited grid access.
• Cost effective energy solution.

Application:

• Generating electricity for domestic, commercial and industrial use.
• Use for irrigation and water supply system.
• Tourism.
• Water purification.

1.2 Introduction to policy of Micro Hydropower Plant development in Nepal

• Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is a government institution established on November 3, 1996 under Ministry of Science and Technology with objective of developing and promoting renewable/ alternative energy technologies in Nepal.

Various policies of government regarding Micro Hydro Development in Nepal:

• Hydropower Development Policy 2001
• Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy 2000/2006
• Subsidy Delivery Mechanism 2000/2006
• Rural Energy Policy 2006

Highlights of different hydropower development policies:

• To generate electricity at low cost.
• To extend reliable and qualitative electric service.
• To tie up electrification with economic activities.
• Participation of local bodies.
• To render support to the development of rural economy.
• Make electric service available to as many people as possible.

1.3 Advantage and relevance of Micro Hydropower in Nepal

• Provide a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable energy in Nepal helping to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel.
• Provide energy for household, business and industries helping to increase the economic development of Nepal.
• Helps to reduce deforestation and emission of carbon dioxide providing environmental benefit.
• Relatively easy to install and maintain, making an ideal solution for rural area that lack access to electricity.
• Helps to develop local infrastructure, such as road and transmission line.
• Can create jobs for local in operation, maintenance and construction work.
• Takes short period to construct.

References:

• Dandekar, M. M., & Sharma, K. N. (2010). Water Power Engineering. Vikas Publishing House.
• Punmia, B. C., Pande, B. B. L., Jain, A. K., & Jain, A. K. (2016). Irrigation and Water Power Engineering. Laxmi Publications.
• Singh, Bharat (2018). Fundamentals of Hydrology and Hydropower Engineering. Nem Chand & Bros.
• Central Water Commission, Government of India (2019). Handbook on Hydroelectric Engineering.
• International Energy Agency (IEA) (2021). Hydropower Status Report. Retrieved from www.iea.org
• Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) (2022). Annual Report on Hydropower Projects in Nepal. Retrieved from www.nea.org.np
• United States Bureau of Reclamation (2020). Design of Small Dams. U.S. Government Printing Office.

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