'Karna, TN can generate 1100 Mw in Cauvery basin'

Union Minister of State for Power and Commerce Jairam Ramesh today favoured developing four hydel projects of Shivanasumudram, Hogenakkal, Mekedatu and Rasimanner, all located in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.     

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa here, Ramesh said these power projects would generate 1100 Mw energy if both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu enter into agreement with National Hydro Power Corporation.     

"NHPC will execute projects only after the two states fully approve them," he added.     

Ramesh, who is visiting Chennai on Saturday, would call on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and discuss the matter.     

Opposing the relocation of the proposed 4,000 Mw thermal power project from Tadri village in the Uttara Kannada district, the Union minister said, "Tadri is the number one location for the ultra mega power project. The Centre's coal policy allows establishment of the project either near the port or near the coal mines."     

Karnataka government is keen to set up this project in Kudigi, near Almatti in Bijapur district.     

According to Ramesh, the central government's policy does not permit establishment of the ultra mega power project near Almatti.     

The Union minister, however, said the Centre would send a technical team to Kudigi to assess whether the location was suitable or not for the project.

Kudigi is located some 350 km from Goa, the nearest port.