SHIVASAMUDRAM: After the state High Court, it was turn of Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje to come down on the mini hydel projects in the state, announcing that these will not be allowed to function near any state power corporation project. At the stone laying ceremony for the 5 MW Solar Photo Voltaic Plant in Shivasamudram (Bluff) in Mandya district on Thursday, Karandlaje said that due to old policies of the state and Central governments, many mini hydel projects have come up next to state projects. They use our resources and land, but when it comes to selling power, they charge exorbitant rates, she added. Around Shivasamudram water falls itself there are seven mini hydel projects alongside the KPCL-run hydro project.“With the Centre’s refusal to provide coal linkage, many of our projects are stuck and we have to use all our potential,” she added.She ordered KPCL officials to prepare a report on the hydel plants and see if it is possible for KPCL to acquire these projects. The officials promised to submit the report within two months.It is important to note that recently even the High Court had come down on eight mini hydel companies and directed them to immediately stop execution of the work until further orders.Shobha informed that the solar plant will be grid connected and the `65 crore project will be ready in seven months. Power from the 5 MW solar plant will be sold for `11.69 per unit and the electronic wing of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd will execute the project.Dark TruthsThe area around Shivasamudram is inhabited by over 700 families. However, their lives in terms of power consumption is a stark contrast.While Shivasamudram and the revenue lands are given 24 hours power, nearby Mallathahalli gets only eight to ten hours.
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