Karnataka - Bangalore

State urged to reach pact with Tamil Nadu on hydel projects

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Power problems: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Energy Jairam Ramesh (right) with Karnataka Energy Minister K.S. Eshwarappa before the inauguration of a workshop in Bangalore on Monday.

BANGALORE: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Energy Jairam Ramesh on Monday made a strong case for the power-starved States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to come to an understanding to implement four hydel projects in the Cauvery basin, which would be a relatively cheap source of power.

“About 1,100 MW of power can be generated from these four projects at a rate of just Rs. 2.20 a unit when Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are paying Rs. 8 to Rs. 9 a unit to buy additional power to tide over the shortage,” he told presspersons after inaugurating a workshop on “Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme II” organised by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company here.

Mr. Ramesh, who has already talked to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi about it said Tamil Nadu was “very positive” about the projects. He said that the Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was willing to discuss this with political colleagues and hoped that it would lead to a “political consensus”.

In the late 1990s, NHPC Ltd. proposed to implement four projects in the Cauvery basin: Shivanasamudram, Mekedatu, Hogenakkal and Rasimanal. The Shivanasamudram and Mekedatu projects fall in Karnataka’s geographical area while the Hogenakkal and Rasimanal projects are to be located on the border between the two States.

Mr. Ramesh expressed confidence that both the Governments would soon arrive at an understanding on the matter. “These water resources, which can help generate about 1,100 MW of power at a cheap rate of Rs. 2 to Rs. 2.20 a unit are too valuable to be wasted by both the States.”

He said the Centre had made an offer that the project would be implemented by the NHPC and power would be shared by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The two States could take up at least two run-of-the river projects if there were hurdles in implementing all the projects.

“It is now left to Karnataka to decide what should be done. I will be guided totally by what Karnataka says,” he said.

Karnataka Energy Minister K.S. Eshwarappa welcomed Mr. Ramesh’s suggestion and said the State would take an appropriate decision. He asked Tamil Nadu to desist from politicising the matter and to hold talks with Karnataka.

Mr. Ramesh made it clear that the Centre’s assurance to consider Karnataka’s request for extending benefits meant for ultra mega power projects to the 4,000-MW thermal plant proposed to be set up by the State in Bijapur was on the condition that 1,000 MW should be given to neighbouring States.

He said there were no political motives in reducing Karnataka’s share of power from Central generating stations.

The share of all States had been reduced because of the fall in generation of power by nuclear and gas-based projects due to shortage of fuel.

He said Karnataka’s request for increasing its share from Central generating stations would be considered when there was surplus power.

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