'State to achieve energy self sufficiency in 5 yrs'

Eshwarappa inaugurates Rs 33.21 crore 220-KV Double Circuit Line

 
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 220 KV DC line here on Tuesday, he said that the State was facing severe power shortage for the last two years. To overcome this grave situation, the government had spent Rs 3,000 crore last year for purchasing power within the State and from other states. As against the total demand of 10,500 MW, the State was only producing 7,000 MW. Last year the State could produce an additional 1,200 MW by taking up steps to complete the ongoing power projects. It is expected to produce another 1,000 MW to 1,200 MW power through NECS, UPCL and from the 8th unit of Raichur power project this year. It is determined to attain self sufficiency in energy sector in the next three to five years by completing the ongoing projects, he added.

For the first time, the government has entered into an MoU with NTPC for setting up a 4,000 MW thermal power project at Kudligi in Bijapur district. Measures are also being taken up for generating 2,000 MW power in Jewargi and Ghataprabha in Gulbarga district. People of these areas have extended their support for the project, he said. Currently the government has decided to drop 4,000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project in
Tadadi in Uttar Kannada.

The project is converted into gas based project to produce 700 MW. As much as Rs 400 crore is being invested on the project. Only 600 acres land is sufficient and KPCL will be entrusted with the project to complete the work in three years, Eshwarappa said.

He said that the government has also taken up several steps to improve the situation including measures to curb power theft. A special squad has been set up for the purpose through which the government was able to collect Rs 100 crore last year as penalty for power theft cases. Though there was good rain, the water in the major reservoir has to be used economically to maintain the situation. After the temporary measures taken up during the last year to overcome the situation, the Ministry this year has taken up medium term by introducing new projects and giving stress on non conventional energy sources.

Seven units at Raichur power project have completed 22 years and except for the new unit, remaining units in Raichur have become old, he added. Karkala MLA Gopal Bhandary, Udupi DC Hemalatha, Udupi ZP President Gladys Almeida and others were present.