State suffers loss of Rs 1000 crore in hydro electric projects

KANNUR: Funds are still being paid for hydro electric projects that are operational and under construction in the state. Most of the small projects are causing loss despite spending Rs 50 lakh to Rs 70 crore. There are 120 projects remaining in the state. The unofficial estimate is that at least more than Rs 1000 crore have been spent for this. The KSEB does not have the exact figure regarding this.

Negligence of contractors are behind the loss figures of these projects. Despite Electricity Minister K Krishankutty’s direct intervention, the officials who should take the initiative to speed up the construction are not doing so. They generally point to land acquisition issues, opposition from the forest and environment departments, and technical problems as obstacles to hydropower projects. The board assesses that lack of coordination among officials is the real issue.

It includes projects ranging from five years to 25 years for construction. 40 MW Pambar project and the 30 MW Achankovilar project have been hampered by environmental issues. The Thottiyar project, which was supposed to be completed in 2012, is about 40 per cent complete. Mankulam hydro electric project has not been completed despite spending Rs 70 crore to acquire land.

Pending projects- 120

Above 5 MW - 50 projects

Target - 800 MW

While purchasing from outside – Rs 15

Through hydroelectric project - 75 paise

Board's loss – Rs 24,000 crore

Major projects at a sluggish pace (Productivity in Brackets)

Pooyamkutty (240 MW), Pallivasal Extension Project (60), Avarukutty (10), Urulikuzhi (4), Pampar (40), Pampla (12), Nakayam (17), Viripara (18), Keerithodu (24), Chinnar (16), Thottiyar(40), Chathangottunada Phase II (6), Kakkayam(3), Perunthenaruvi(3), Anakkayam(7.5), Peringalkuth(24), Chengulam Augmentation(85)

Major projects stalled

Mankulam, Upper Chenkulam, Kakkadampoyil, Karikayam, Keezharkuth, Nakayam, Chinnaparumbu Thodu, Avarkutty, Kaithakolli diversion, Kannakuzhi, Parakkadav, Anakkayam, Bavalipuzha Phase 2, Valamthodu, Chembukatti, Lower Vattapara, Marmala, Thumboormuzhi, Upper Peringal, Chittoor Upper, Kanjirakolli, Palchuram , Western Kallar, Karimpuzha

The only relief is the Barapole mini hydro electric project at Iritty, Kannur which has achieved a historic achievement in power generation by surpassing the production target to be achieved in one year in four months.