‘Lobbies scuttling Gundia project’
They were disappointed when the State entered the scene: Eshwarappa
Minister for Power K S Eshwarappa on Sunday alleged that commercial and political interests are trying to scuttle the Gundia hydel power project.
A section of green activists, who are opposing the project, are also goaded by these interests.
“Some of the private companies, which were interested to set up mini hydel power plants in Gundia valley, were disappointed when the State government entered the scene. Vested interests, which are trying to bring a bad name to me and Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, are also trying to halt the Gundia project,” he told media persons here on Sunday.
Pre-construction clearance
State government has commenced the work on Gundia project after availing pre-construction clearance from the Centre. State will comply with the laws while implementing the project. The provisional clearance will allow the State to go ahead with the survey work, the minister said.
Centre’s objection
When quizzed about the possibility of the Centre raising objection against power projects on feasibility grounds, Eshwarappa said,
“Be it Gundia or Tadadi, we are expecting co-operation from the Centre. The proposed power projects will be implemented by adopting eco-friendly technology. The Centre is also convinced about State’s commitment to conserve the environment. Both Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh have motivated us to go ahead with Tadadi project,” the minister said.
Eshwarappa said that apprehensions among the environment organisations regarding Tadadi and Gundia projects will be cleared. The minister said, though the State is going through power crises, load shedding will not be enforced. There were some problems in power supply in the last two days due to shortfall in supply from the Centre and the Ramagundam power station.
Technical snag
Besides, there was some technical snag in Raichur and Bellary thermal power stations which has been addressed now. The minister informed that 105 million units power is generated in the State at present, against the demand of 90 to 95 million units. He added that the demand and supply figures are volatile and vary daily.
Regarding the depleting water level in the major reservoirs of the State, where hydel power is generated, he said that “last year also, similar situation had prevailed. Heavy rains which lashed the State from July eased the situation.”
When quizzed about the possibility of cloud seeding near the reservoirs, he said, “I am optimistic that the State will be blessed with sufficient rain soon.”
