Power producers seek rethink on 15 pc water discharge
Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 17
Facing huge financial losses on account of disruption in generation due to excessive silt and ensuring the mandatory 15 per cent water discharge, the Satluj Basin, Forum of Hydro Power Producers have sought the holding of a cumulative impact study to assess the problem.

The issue of ensuring 15 per cent water discharge was one of the main issues which was discussed at the conclave of the member organisations of the forum held here today. The power producers urged the government not only to asses the problem by a scientific study but also to have a rethink on the mandatory 15 per cent water discharge.

Their plea was that at times it was simply not possible to ensure the 15 per cent discharge with reduced flow. Quantifying the loss due to the condition of ensuring 15 per cent discharge, they said almost two million units of less power was being generated on this account.

The forum which was formed in November, 2005, decided to join hands to pursue the goal of eco-friendly energy and to evolve integrated Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan for the Satluj basin. They decided to create, upgrade and share facilities to generate data in respect of discharge, silt and meteorological observations and utilise common laboratory testing facilities.

“It is for the first time that the forest department will be setting up posts which will observe the silt levels which will in turn help us monitor the effectiveness implementation of our CAT plans,” said Additional Chief Secretary, Avay Shukla (Forests). He said the problem of excessive silt had been a cause of concern for all power producers and efforts needed to be made to reduce its level through effective implementation of the CAT plans.

The problem has in the past affected generation in the Satluj basin, especially at the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri project and 300 MW Baspa.

In the coming few years funds to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore would be at the disposal of the forest department for CAT plan implementation. As per norms the size of the CAT plan is 2.36 per cent of the total project cost.

So far 8,173 hectares of forestland has been diverted for development works and projects out of which the major chunk of 3,790 hectares has been give to the power sector.