Frozen water bodies in HP lead to power crisis

Kullu, Jan 9: Power crisis looms over Himachal Pradesh as the water level in reservoirs has fallen steeply with water flows in rivers and rivulets getting drastically reduced due to sub-zero temperatures.

Due to the non-melting of the snow following very low temperatures, the reservoirs are not receiving enough water to maintain the minimum required levels at which the hydel-power projects are operated.

"Hydro-power generation is water dependent. Normally, during winter season the temperature is very low and the snow doesn't melt. Therefore, rivers get less water," said T. Swaminathan, General Manager, Malana Hydro-Electric power project.

The frozen water bodies at the higher altitudes coupled with intense cold weather conditions are compounding the problems of the people. They are apprehending a severe shortage of water and electricity during the winter months.

The power shortage, already at a perturbing level, might assume the proportion of a crisis if the situation persists.

Himachal Pradesh caters to the power needs of North India including the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh.

ANI