Date:01/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/01/stories/2005080101441500.htm

Back Power generation resumes in Srisailam hydroelectric units

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , July 31

THE crest gates at Srisailam reservoir on the Krishna river in the State are likely to be opened in couple of days as the reservoir has been receiving copious inflows from Jurala project.

With huge inflows, the reservoir level has reached about 864 feet as against 885 feet, which is its full reservoir level.

Consequently, the Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGenco), has begun power generation in all the six 150 MW units of the left bank canal and four 110 MW units on the right bank. This would also boost the water flow to the Nagarjunasagar dam downstream and the power generation is likely to be stepped up.

The State, which had to go without hydel generation, would now benefit significantly with power from hydel plants, which would also bring down the cost of overall generation for the State.

The State was forced to depend on coal and gas-based plants during summer season due to demand supply mismatch and had to purchase from Central generating stations.

Meanwhile, with heavy rains in both Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Godavari is also receiving significant inflows. While the Sriramsagar project reservoir has nearly reached its brim, after more than a decade, water level has gone up significantly near Bhadrachalam and Dowleshwaram, forcing irrigation authorities to release water.