Govt may adopt satellite imaging for transmission projects

Government is mulling adopting satellite technology for conducting studies to alleviate the impact of environment-related issues on power transmission projects.
The government, which has set a target of building 1,07,440 circuit kilometres of transmission lines by 2016-17, said that right of way and forest clearances are two major factors which hinder the execution of transmission projects.
"We may adopt satellite imaging for detailed survey and route alignment to minimise the impact of forest or environment issues," Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Efforts are being made to resolve environment and forest issues in consultation with the agencies concerned, Goyal said, adding that all the transmission projects are monitored for their implementation.

Development of high capacity transmission corridors is being contemplated to address the right of way issue.
The minister added that during implementation of transmission projects, pending issues are pursued with the concerned state government and Ministry of Environment and Forests.
On the issue of electricity shortfall, he said there is a shortfall in demand and supply of power in almost all the states, but it varies from state to state on month to month, day to day and hour to hour.
The Ministry of Power has planned a capacity addition of 1,18,537 MW by 2016-17, which includes 88,537 MW conventional and 30,000 MW renewable.