K'taka steps up power generation, stores water in reservoirs

The Karnataka government has stepped up generation in thermal units and stored water in excess in reservoirs in anticipation of power shortage due to inadequate rainfall.    

"We have made considerable efforts to see there is no power shortage. We have consciously stored water (in excess) in the Kali and Sharavati (reservoirs) in anticipation of shortage," Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa told reporters here.    

Despite coal prices being higher, the state-owned thermal units in Raichur and Bellary are enhancing generation,he said.    

"We expect rains in the next one week...15 days. After that the problem will get resolved," the Minister said.    

Meanwhile, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has turned to the Almighty, praying for bountiful rains.    

"It's all God's desire. We have to pray to God. We have not done injustice to anybody. I have faith in God. I have belief there will be rains (soon)," he said.    

Eshwarappa said he had met Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and placed before him the power situation in Karnataka and its energy woes.     

Shinde was told that the state, currently reeling under acute power shortage, faced a 20 per cent gap in demand and supply, he said.    

The minister also alleged that Karnataka continued to be meted stepmotherly treatment in allocation of power from the Central grid, which has allocated 1,543 Mw.    

The Centre, which withdrew allocation of 50 Mw from its unallocated share in July last, was yet to restore it to Karnataka, despite repeated pleas, Eshwarappa charged. Eshwarappa said there was scope to expand the Kaiga nuclear power plant, for which the government had alloted land. Currently, there are four operatioal units and two more units of 700 Mw could be set up to generate additional power, he said.   

The state government, which was exploring various options to draw energy, was also of the view that there is scope to set up a 2,000 Mw greenfield nuclear project at Kaiga, he said.    

The Centre was targetting production of 20,000 Mw by 2020 and the state deserves to get its due share, he opined.   

The Union Power Minister, he said, had assured the state that it would become self sufficient in power by 2012.