Heavy rains bless Odisha with higher hydro power generation

Spurt in generation, was observed after 15th Oct, when low pressure triggered rain lashed southern and coastal Odisha causing floods in about 10 districts

Heavy rains in last week of October may have caused havoc in coastal and southern Odisha, but it worked as a blessing in disguise for Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), which reported about 50 per cent jump in average daily power generation from various projects located inside the state.

Average daily generation during October, which was around 850 Mw in the first week, shot up to as high as 1,250 Mw per day in the final week, data compiled by the state undertaking showed.

The spurt in generation, was however observed after October 15, when low pressure triggered rain lashed southern and coastal Odisha causing floods in about 10 districts. Out of eight hydro power plants of the state, five are located in southern part while three are stationed in western districts.

Major power plant Balimela generated about 360 Mw on the last day of October, much higher than 202 Mw produced on October 15. Upper Indravati, which produced 150 Mw on an average in the second week of October, generated about 250 Mw daily in the final week. Hydro power generation at Upper Kolab power station rose to 48.6 Mw on 27 October, up from 24 Mw in the second week.

Balimela has the capacity to produce 510 Mw, Upper Indravati 600 Mw and Kolab 320 Mw. These power stations are located in Koraput, Malkanagiri and Kalahandi districts.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, Ganjam district, worst hit in the calamities, received 740 mm rainfall during and after the tropical cyclone Phailin, compared with normal 111 mm rainfall. Overall, the state received 277 per cent higher than normal rainfall in October.

Major reservoirs of the state, which supply water to these plants are near their highest level, OHPC website updates showed. Balimela reservoir currently has water at its maximum carrying capacity of 1,516 feet, while the water level in Mukhiguda reservoir stands at 641.5 feet, against carrying capacity of 642 feet. Bariniput reservoir, which has a maximum capacity of 858 feet, now has 856 feet water.