Due to the maintenance works that are been carried out in the hydro power projects in the Garhwal and Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, the power generation is reported to be disrupted.
However, department officials told shutting of channels during inclement weather is a regular feature in order to avoid damage to the turbines. The latest data compiled by the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam limited (UJVNl) clearly highlighted that out of 14 important hydro power projects being undertaken by the department, power generation was reported to be disrupted on eight hydro power projects on Thursday.
The power generation was reported to be disrupted at Chibro, Khodri and Galogi hydro power projects due to the grid problem especially low voltage. The Tiloth hydro power project (Maneri Bhalli-I) was shut down due to high Particles Per Million (PPM). Among all the power projects, Pathri hydro power project was failed to generate not even a single unit of electricity due to RMU. However, the UJVNl managed to generate 18.410 million units of electricity on Thursday, which is considered far better in terms of power generation.
However, it is a matter of relief for the State that the department has generated 220.240 million units of electricity so far in this month.
One of the department sources who wished anonymity told The Pioneer that renovation, upgradation and modernisation (RMU) of the hydro power projects is a regular feature in the department for the optimum electricity generation. He expressed satisfaction over the power generation and hoped that it will further improve in coming days. He claimed that the department will surely meet with the set target for the power generation in the current financial year.
According to him, the department had earlier set records in terms of power generation and will continue its efforts to meet with the growing demand of electricity in the State. “Our analysis shows that it is economically viable to have uninterrupted ecological flow of 30 per cent during monsoons and 50 per cent during lean season. This will allow our rivers to flow as well as allow sustainable development of SHP,” said Bhushan.
CSE report has also found that the SHP projects are not even adhering to the minimum environmental norms as many project developers do not even obtain a ‘consent to establish/consent to operate’ from the State Pollution Control Board. The regulations for muck disposal and afforestation are never followed.
Columnist and environmentalist Bharat Jhunjhunwala stressed on the need to lower energy consumption, examine sustainability of SHP and fragmentation of habitats. SHP (UJVNl) general manager Arvind Kumar said that issue of ecological flow is a governance problem and a monitoring agency is needed to monitor this issue.