(a) any river-works proposed [* * *] [ The words " by the Board " omitted by Act 115 of 1976, Section 18 (w.r.e.f. 8.10.1976).] will prejudice the prospects for the best ultimate development of the river or its tributaries for power-generation, consistent with the requirements of irrigation, navigation and flood-control, and for this purpose the Authority [shall satisfy itself, after consultation with the State Government, the Central Government, or such other agencies as it may deem appropriate,] [ Substituted by Act 115 of 1976, Section 18 (w.r.e.f. 8.10.1976).] that an adequate study has been made of the optimum location of dams and other river-works;

(b) the proposed scheme will prejudice the proper combination of hydro-electric and thermo-electric power necessary to secure the greatest possible economic output of electric power;

(c) the proposed main transmission lines will be reasonably suitable for regional requirements;

(d) the scheme provides reasonable allowances for expenditure on capital and revenue account;

(e) the estimates of prospective supplies of electricity and revenue therefrom contained in the scheme are reasonable;

(f) [ in the case of a scheme in respect of thermal power generation, the location of the generating station is best suited to the region, taking into account the optimum utilisation of fuel resources, the distance of load centre, transportation facilities, water availability and environmental considerations; [ Inserted by Act 115 of 1976, Section 18 (w.r.e.f. 8.10.1976).]

(g) the scheme conforms to any other technical, economic or other criteria laid down by the Authority in accordance with the national power policy evolved by it in pursuance of the provisions contained in clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 3] [and such other directions as may be given by the Central Government] [ Added by Act 50 of 1991, Section 7 (w.e.f. 15.10.1991).].