Centre gives environmental clearance to construction of second powerhouse in Idukki

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central government has given the first phase environmental approval to the construction of second powerhouse in Idukki, which will pave the way for a giant leap in power generation. Power shortages at peak hours will also be avoided. The project cost is Rs 2667.67 crores.

The approval was given by a ten-member expert appraisal committee chaired by Dr. K. Gopakumar under the Central Government's Department of Forests, Environment and Climate Change. The nine approvals required for the pre-feasibility report of the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Water Commission will be available by January 2023. A tender will be called soon.

Construction will be completed within five years. With this, Idukki will become one of the largest hydropower projects in the country like Koyna and Tehri. The current power plant will complete 50 years in 2026. As the new plant becomes operational, the existing one will be upgraded and the capacity will be increased.