Energy Minister K.J. George defends Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project
Minister for Energy K.J. George said on Tuesday that the State government would implement the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project only after obtaining all necessary approvals
Minister for Energy K.J. George said on Tuesday that the State government would implement the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project only after obtaining all necessary approvals. Addressing mediapersons during his visit to Shivamogga, Mr. George said the Wildlife Board had sent a team to study the project and that the government would proceed in accordance with the law. “I respect the opinions of all those who oppose the project. However, there have been many misconceptions about the project among the public.
It is difficult to convince those who have already made up their minds on the issue,” he said. George argued that the pumped storage project would cause minimal environmental damage compared to conventional hydroelectric projects. “The Sharavathi Project was implemented in the 1960s. Thousands of people were displaced and extensive land was acquired for the project. All that was done to produce over 1,000 MW. However, in the proposed pumped storage project, only 125 acres are required, of which 100 acres are for laying pipelines and the remainder for the pump house,” he said.
The Minister maintained that the project had been designed to generate 2,000 MW while requiring minimal land use. “Some people are spreading misinformation about the project. It is a sound project for the entire State, including Shivamogga,” he said. Further, answering a question on the proposed privatisation of electricity supply, the Minister said the government had not yet taken a decision on the issue. “In 2003, when the BJP was in power at the Centre, they brought in an amendment to the Electricity Act allowing the privatisation.
However, it has not been implemented so far in Karnataka. Now, people have submitted their applications before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). We have instructed the ESCOMs to file objections before the KERC. We are not in favour of privatisation," he added.
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