Centre planning to raise hydel power output

By Our Staff Correspondent

HASSAN, SEPT. 28. Tapping of non-conventional energy sources involves high costs. The policy on hydro-power development announced by the Union Government in 1998 is significant in this context. The objective of the policy is to ensure capacity addition and exploitation of the vast hydro-electric potential at a fast pace, promote small and mini hydel projects, increase private participation and strengthen of the State electricity Boards and public sector units.

According to a report by the Union Ministry of Power, 15,736.45 MW power can be generated from hydel projects with Government and private participation. At present, only 856.25 MW of power is so generated.

As much as 5,670 MW of power is likely to be generated from 12 projects sacntioned in the central sector. In the State sector, 8,535.45 MW is likely to be generated. Of this, 2,900 MW will be generated from six projects in the western region, 2,236 MW from 15 projects in the northern region, 1,461.45 MW from nine projects in the southern

region, 1,793 MW from nine projects in the eastern region and 144 MW from three projects in the north-eastern region.

One of the objectives of the national policy is that the private sector should be given adequate representation in the process. In all, 1532.4 MW is likely to be generated from six projects in four States. Of this, two projects will be in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, and one each in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Of the total 60 projects, only four have started generation so far. One of them is in the private sector.

In Karnataka, Brindavan (2x6 MW) and Sharavathi tail race (4x60 MW - unit-I rolled) are scheduled for commissioning in 2001-2, and Sarapadi (3x30 MW) in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada District in 2002-3. Efforts are being made in consultation with the Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments to promote hydro-electric projects in the Cauvery and Krishna basins, which could not be taken up yet due to inter-State disputes.

Subject to the resolution of these issues, the NHPC is prepared to execute Shivanasamudram (270 MW), Mekedattu (550 MW), Rasimanal (200 MW) and Hogenekkal (120 MW) projects. In the case of the Upper Krishna Hydro-electric Project, the Supreme Court, in its judgement on April 25, has allowed the height of the Alamatti Dam to be raised to 519.6 m. The revised detailed project report is being prepared.

Incidentally, the above mentioned projects being contemplated subject to resolution of the inter-State water dispute issues do not figure in the 60 projects sanctioned or being taken up in the southern region. The projects included here are Srisailam (900 MW), Brindavan (12 MW), Sarapadi (90 MW), Sharavathi tail race (240 MW), Malankara (10.5 MW), Kutiyadi tail race (3.75 MW), Kutiyadi extension (50 MW), Pykara (150 MW) and Kalpong in the Andamans (5.2 MW).

The target dates for the completion of these projects vary. While some are expected to be completed by 2001-2002, others are slated to become operational only by 2007-2008. The power generated by the four units that have started generation is only 52 MW.

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