Krishna waters to give 200-Mw boost to Maharashtra

Power-starved Maharashtra has received a boost as the state will be able to generate additional 200 mw from the present level of 800 mw from Koyana river especially to meet the shortfall.

This would be a reality as the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal, led by Justic Brijesh Kumar, in its award released on Thursday has increased the use of Koyana water for power generation to 92.5 TMC from the existing 67.5 TMC. Besides, the tribunal has also increased allocation of Krishna water to 666 TMC from 585 TMC, a rise of 81 TMC.

State Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan welcomed the tribunal’s order to increase allocation of additional 25 TMC for power generation from Koyana river. “This is quite important as hydro power is quite cheap and it will be useful especially during the peak period (6 to 10 pm).” Currently, the state is reeling under a daily power shortage up to 5,000 mw. Increase in use of Koyana water for power generation, which was opposed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, would help marginally reduce load shedding in the state.

On the increased allocation of Krishna water, Chavan said the tribunal has made it based on 65 per cent dependability against state’s demand of 50 per cent dependability. Earlier, the Bachhawat Tribunal had made distribution of water based on 75 per cent dependability.

As far as tribunal’s ruling on allowing Karnataka to increase Almatti dam up to 524.2 metres, Chavan admitted that it was quite disappointing. “Maharashtra had opposed rise in Almatti dam level to 524.2 metres from 510 metres on the grounds that it will lead to flooding in Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts. State will continue to make demand for a constitution of a joint management group so that excess water is not released during monsoon.”

Chavan informed that the tribunal has ruled that a monitoring committee, comprising Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, would be set up regarding release of water from Almatti dam after the proposed rise.

The chief minister said the state government would put up its argument in its clarification to be submitted during next three months to the tribunal on its order.

Irrigation Minister Ramraje Nimbalkar told Business Standard, “I am satisfied with Thursday’s decision. Maharashtra has got additional 81 TMC water and 25 TMC additional water from Koyana river for power generation. What is crucial is that there has been no review of water of 599 TMC as sought by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. We will seek the clarification as regards the issue of raising Almatti height and the resultant flood consequences in Sangli and Satara.”

According to the tribunal, Maharashtra would not utilise more than 98 TMC in a 65 per cent dependable water year. The state would not divert more than 92.5 TMC from Upper Krishna sub-basin for Koyana hydel power station for westward diversion in a 65 per cent dependable or average water year. Further, the state would not utilise more than 628 TMC in a 65 per cent dependable water year and not more than 663 TMC in an average water year.