Power deficit stalls several projects

Several pumped storage hydro-electric projects, which can add almost 21,000 mW, are in a limbo because of the power deficit in the state. These projects can see the light of the day only after the power situation improves.

Chief engineer of the Koyna project in Satara Vilas Shelke said that the Humbarli pumped storage scheme is the stage V of the Koyna Hydro-Eectric Project (Khep) and is awaiting environmental clearance. The project, which aims at generating 400 mW, is planned to meet the power needs of the state during peak hours.

The Koyna dam's reservoir—Shivaji Sagar lake—which can store 104 TMC water would serve as the lower reservoir for this project. The Ozarde falls, at a height of 320 mt in the northwest of the lake, would be utilised, while the upper reservoir would be at Torne village.

The water from the upper reservoir would be used for power generation during peak hours while Shivaji Sagar's water, which will be pumped to the upper reservoir, will meet the low power demand hours.

Another project in Ane Malshej area, a pumped storage hydro-electric project, is aimed at producing 600 mW of power. Shelke said that the highly specialised strengthening of the overflow portion of the Koyna dam was undertaken after the State government's approval in July 2003. Work was carried out between 2004 and 2006 after the capacity addition was done in 1997-'98 by increasing the height. Shelke said that the Koyna dam, that had withstood the devastating 1993 Killari earthquake, could now face any quake.