'State may stop power purchase from outside'

Good rains have raised water storage levels in reservoirs

“Water storage level in Linganamakki, Varahi and Kali reservoirs is satisfactory. Optimum utilisation of water will be made in these reservoirs following frequent technical snags in thermal power units at Raichur and Bellary,” he said after offering bagina to Linganamakki reservoir near here on Saturday.

A comprehensive action plan has been worked out to make the State self reliant in power generation by five years. State is facing power shortage of 3,600 mw at present. The deficit will be filled by extracting additional power from renewable sources. About 500 MW renewable power is being generated in the State at present.

The Minister also informed that license issued to 58 companies, the total allocation of which is 900 mw have been cancelled due to failure to abide by the deadline.

Honouring the feelings of the pontiffs and green activists, the proposal to establish thermal power plant in Tadadi was dropped and a gas based power project with installed capacity to generate 2,100 mw will come at the place, the Minister added. When quizzed on his pooja at the disputed shrine in Baba Budangiri which has created controversy, he said that “answer for this can be expected at Legislative session on Monday.”

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists picketed Minister Eshwarappa in Kargal for sometime demanding the Government to upgrade the tourist amenities in Jog.