Power Crisis in Karnataka May Get Worse

Bengaluru: It is now getting worse. Hydel reservoirs in Karnataka are left with just enough water to last for 20 more days.

Since monsoon is almost a month and half away, this means that most parts of the state can plunge into darkness. It can throw life out of gear in the state capital, and IT city, Bengaluru.

Like most other parts of India, Karnataka too is baking under the scorching sun. On Sunday, the maximum temperature crossed 39 degrees in once 'naturally air conditioned' Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, which consumes 49% of power generated in Karnataka, needs 2400-2500 mega watts. The state-owned distribution company,BESCOM, is already facing a shortage of over 200 mega watts due to damage to underground cables. Technical snags are also affecting the power supply in the city.

Drastic depletion of water in the reservoirs would hit power generation, making the state vulnerable in the scorching summer, reports in Deccan Herald said.

Power department officials admit that water storage in dams will last for only 20 more days. The thermal plants, which are already under severe stress due to high demand, are also facing water shortage. Thermal plants need a large quantity of water to keep the systems cool.

Sharavathi hydel projects in Shimoga district, which contribute over 25% to Karnataka’s total power production, are also facing technical snags. These projects generate over 1200 mw power. Water levels are fast falling here, and if the capacity goes down, Bengaluru will surely face long hours of power cuts till the monsoon starts.

Karnataka Power Minister D K Shivakumar told News 18, “The situation is not very good. We are making all possible efforts to provide power without interruption. But, there are issues beyond human control. If there is no rainfall in the next one month, there will be power crisis"

Deccan Herald quoted Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) K Ravi Kumar as saying that that there will be no power crisis in Bengaluru and other parts of the state. “We have water to manage till June 15. There is water for drinking, and also for power generation. Water supply is stopped for irrigation. In case of thermal stations too there is no problem, as water will be released from Tungabhadra and Narayanapura dams,’’ he said.

Over 1.10 crore people live in Bengaluru, and a remaining close to five crore people live in rest of the state.