Shobha blames Centre for power projects delay

The four projects to be executed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited as joint ventures with private partners include one in Chhattisgarh.

Karandlaje told reporters that the State Government had asked the Union Coal Ministry to allot coal for the proposed projects at Yermarus, Raichur (1,200 MW), Gulbarga (1,320 MW) and Yedlapura, Raichur (800 MW) and Chhattisgarh a year ago. But the Ministry had neither turned down the request nor approved it yet. Unless coal was allotted, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests would not issue the clearance certificate, she said.

“We are ready to start civil work for these projects. Despite repeated requests, the Coal Ministry has turned a blind eye. Moreover, delay is causing cost escalation,” Karandlaje said.

The State needs about one crore tonnes of coal for its proposed thermal power projects.
On the opposition from farmers to the 4,000 MW Kudagi super thermal power project, she said the protests being staged in the area were politically motivated.

“Some Opposition leaders do not want this Government to implement any project. They are provoking local people to protest,” she claimed.

Karandlaje said the land identified for the Kudagi project was “totally barren”. The local farmers or land owners want more compensation. The Government will hold talks with them directly and convince them to allow implementation of the project. If the project is implemented, the State will get about 2,000 MW of power, and the farmers would be the beneficiaries, she said.

Power purchase

The Energy Minister said the State is currently purchasing 1,300 MW power (1,000 MW from open exchange and 300 MW from Chhattisgarh) to meet the demand which on Sunday stood at 158 million units.

 She said the water levels in hydel reservoirs were sufficient to generate power till end of May. Power purchase agreements have been signed to ensure uninterrupted supply during the summer months.

Steps are being taken to add about 1,000 MW of power to the State grid by September, Karandlaje said, adding that the Bellary thermal power plant II unit (500 MW) and Udupi II unit (400 MW) would be commissioned by September.