Rainfall deficit hits hydropower generation in Sharavati Valley

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A view of the Linganmakki Dam, the major reservoir in Sharavati Valley. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The month-long deficit in rainfall has impacted hydropower generation in the Sharavati Valley, one of the State’s major sources of hydel energy.

The Linganamakki Powerhouse, with an installed capacity of 55 MW, has ceased operations entirely. Of its two units, only one remained active in recent weeks due to maintenance of the other. The falling water level has now forced the shutdown of the remaining operational unit.

At the Sharavati Generating Station (SGS), which has a total installed capacity of 1,035 MW, operations are running at bare minimum levels dictated by grid demand. Of the station’s ten units, nine are operational while one remains under maintenance. Sunday’s generation stood at approximately 500 MW against the full capacity.

B. Anand Kumar, Chief Engineer, Sharavati Hydro-Electric Project, told The Hindu that both units at the Linganamakki Powerhouse have been stopped. “Among the ten units in the SGS, nine are in good condition, while one is under maintenance. We are generating only what is needed, utilising the available water based on demand,” he said.

The Linganamakki reservoir, as of Monday morning, recorded a water level of 1,744.80 ft against the full reservoir capacity of 1,819 ft. This marks a sharp decline compared to 1,784.05 ft on the same date last year.

Storage in the main reservoir stands at just 14.17 TMC (9.34%) against a gross capacity of 151.64 TMC. Last year on this date, the storage was 62.74 TMC (41.38%). The available energy component for generation is now a mere 426 million units, down from 1,854 million units last year.

Inflow to the reservoir has plummeted. Monday recorded only 4,553 cusecs, compared to 24,752 cusecs during the corresponding period last year.

“The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow alert for the week. We hope the inflow will increase if the catchment areas receive good rainfall,” Mr. Kumar said.