Deficient rainfall halts power production at Sharavathi

Power generation has been stopped at the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Project (MGHEP) in the district for the past four days, due to the deficient rainfall in the catchment area of Linganamakki dam in Sagar taluk.

The MGHEP is the key source of hydel power in the state. The move follows directions from the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. MGHEP has an installed capacity of 139.20 MW.

Power generation has been reduced significantly at the Sharavathi Generating Station (SGS), to ensure that it does not come to a complete halt during summer. Over the last two weeks, the catchment area of the dam has not witnessed rainfall above 50 mm.

At present, SGS (which has an installed capacity of 1,035 MW) is generating only 4,000 to 6,000 million units (MU) per day from its three units out of the 10, against its total capacity of 24,000 MU per day.

The quantum of generation varies depending on the inflow of water to the dam. Officials said nine cusecs of water is required to generate 1 MW. The reduction has helped save water for summer. All 10 units of SGS were restored recently after a fire mishap had gutted them early this year.

Ready for generation
Speaking to DH R Shivaji, chief engineer (electrical), Sharavathi Hydro Electric Project, said, “We are ready for generation and there is no problem from our side. We are only following the instructions from higher officials,” he said.    

Dam authorities have expressed concern over the water level in the dam.

The dam is unlikely to reach its maximum level this year also due to deficit rainfall. A good spell of rain in June had raised hopes that the dam would reach its maximum level at least this year and pave the way for regular power generation.

But the situation is different, as there has been scanty rain in July and August in the catchment area. The water level in the dam was 1,792 feet on Wednesday against the maximum level of 1,819 feet. The inflow was 8,942 cusecs.

Sources in the agriculture department said that the district received 1,558 mm of rainfall till August 22, against the expected rainfall of 1,741 mm. The district received only 1,076 mm in June, July and August against the average rainfall of 1,594 mm. The total deficiency is 33%.  
DH News Service