Shimoga: A weak monsoon, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), will have an adverse impact on electricity generation at the Sharavathi Hydro Electric Project.The plant contributes 23 per cent of the power generated in the State.
Already, there are signs of the impending shortage as the water level is decreasing by the day in the absence of heavy rain in the catchment areas of Linganamakki dam in Sagar taluk in Shimoga district.
As on June 12, the water level in the dam was 1,746.05 feet. It has declined to 1,745 feet on June 16 as against the maximum level of 1,819 feet.
The catchment area of the dam is spread over 1,900 sq km. Unless there is copious rainfall for three to four days, there won’t be any drastic increase in the water level.
According to the dam authorities, the water level has dipped by more than 11.5 feet compared to June 16 last year. The water level stood at 1,756 feet on this day in 2013 as against 1,745.7 feet on Monday.
Even a slight dip in the water level is a matter of concern. If the prevailing situation continues for some more days, power generation might be hit, said Rajamudy, KPCL Chief Engineer of Sharavathi Project.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Rajamudy said: “If the water level in the dam recedes to 1,743 feet, it’s not possible to generate power from Linganamakki hydro electric powerhouse.
Under such circumstances, water will be released to the powerhouse through sluice gates.
The Sharavathi plant has the capacity to generate 1,035 MW, while the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Station’s capacity is 139 MW, Linganamakki dam powerhouse 55 MW, Kali power project 1,420 MW and Gerusoppa 240 MW.
