Alva concerned over more mini-hydel projects in Western Ghats

Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva today expressed concern over reports that a number of mini hydel projects are awaiting approval from the forest department in Western Ghats region, despite High Court's ban.
"In the Western Ghats, hydel projects have destroyed forests and habitats, prompting the High Court of Karnataka early last year to ban all new mini-hydel projects there," she said while speaking at Global Renewable Energy Summit, 2014 organised by Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here.
She quoted officials of the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd as saying in media reports, that despite the High Court orders nearly half of the 158 projects sanctioned before the High Court order could become operational if they get approval from the Forest Department. "This is worrisome."

Stating that 'Going green' has already emerged as a global motto, she said "Industry is also seeing some of its biggest opportunities in green power like wind, solar, biogas and hydro to reduce emissions and lower dependence on coal and petroleum for meeting its power needs."
Clean technology is witnessing a boom in global venture funding, with solar and wind energy attracting maximum investor interest, Alva added.
Pointing out that Karnataka along with several other states has been suffering from power shortages, she said "Your annual peak power deficit, till recently about 27 per cent, is said to have come down to 14 per cent."

Alva noted that experts have attributed the deficit to various factors, including inefficiency in generation, transmission losses due to old and outdated equipment, theft and uneconomical pricing.
She said "I am sometimes at a loss to figure out where we went wrong, for Karnataka has been a pioneer in the power sector, having established the very first hydel generating station at Shivasamudram in 1902."
Alva also acknowledged the Government of Karnataka plan to ensure 24-hour power supply to all by 2020 by improving the efficiency of electricity companies, encouraging development of renewable energy and implementing energy conservation measures.