DC for curbs on dam water for hydro power generation

Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha has directed the Minor Irrigation Department officials to ensure that all dams, including private hydro electricity generation units, store water to their maximum capacities within December 10.

He said, at a meeting on Saturday to discuss measures to ensure the district does not face water crisis during peak summer, that the hydro electricity generation units cannot generate power from stored water. “Only surplus water from the dam can be used, with the permission of the executive engineer of the Minor Irrigation Department. Unless the district administration gives in writing, the water storage level in the dams should not be reduced. The Minor Irrigation Department officials would also be held responsible if there was any violation of utilisation of water in the dams,” he warned.

The DC directed the officials of the Department to visit seven hydro electricity generation units, including Charmadi, Bhoruka and Dandeli units, and submit reports on the storage capacities within a week. Smaller quantities of water too should be utilised to the fullest, he ordered.

An official from the AMR Power Project said that 14.25 MCM water will be stored in the AMR dam by December 10.

Ban on borewells
The deputy commissioner said that the state government has banned sinking of new borewells in the state to prevent fall in the already receded groundwater table, but, it has given exemption for sinking borewells for government drinking water projects and Ganga Kalyana Yojane. Yet, the officials should avoid sinking of borewells. If anyone is found violating the guidelines, the officials should seize the vehicles and file criminal cases against such individuals, he instructed, adding that the police will be directed to cooperate in booking the criminal cases.

Officials from the Minor Irrigation Department said that there are 228 vented dams and 20 dams to check intrusion of salt water in the district. Work order has already been given to install planks to close the dams to store water and is likely to be completed in 20 days.

No water for crops
Dr Jagadeesha said that no water should be lifted from the dams for crops from January, but, water could be given for horticultural crops if the farmers have drip irrigation or sprinkler facilities. The Mescom was directed to disconnect pump sets used to lift water from rivers/dams from January-end.

The deputy commissioner directed the officials from GPs and ULBs to make a list of alternative sources of water including private borewells and open wells, in case the water-levels in dams reduce and submit it to the district administration. The district administration will take into custody supply of water in case of emergency. The officials should monitor the supply of water by private water tankers and ensure that they do not collect exorbitant amounts from the people.

Unit shutdown
An official from MRPL said that they have planned to shut down a unit for annual maintenance in the month of April. The DC requested MCF to take up their annual maintenance in the month of April, as this will reduce the demand for water during peak summer.

MRPL was also directed to make use of treated water from STPs.