Rains lead to rise in water level at hydro project reservoirs

Patiala, June 15 (UNI) As the monsoon broke in the North West region today, two to three weeks ahead of schedule, the water level in the reservoirs of hydro power projects in Himachal Pradesh showed an appreciable increase.

The water level which had been lower last week as compared to the same period last year due to lesser inflow, has reached normal level due to rains in the last few days, Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) Chairman Y S Ratra stated here today.

The level at the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra dam has been 1,565 ft against 1,559 ft last year. At the Dehar project it is 2,925 ft against 2,928 ft last year, at Pong it is 1,291 ft against 1,326 ft last year and at the Ranjit Sagar Dam it is 511 metres against 515 metres last year.

The rising water levels may now offset the apprehension of lower hydro generation this year, Mr Ratra stated.

The Chairman informed that owing to heavy rainfall all over Punjab, no power cuts had been imposed from last 20-25 days. The PSEB has been able to manage the demand inspite of the fact that Nathpa Jhakhri hydro project over Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh had to be closed down due to heavy silt level in the incoming water a few days back.

The power demand as on June 15 has been 1,323 lakh units (LUs) which has been met by 152 LUs from own hydro generation, 447 LUs from PSEB thermal generation, 136 LUs from BBMB, 2 LUs from non conventional energy sources and 586 LUs through purchases from Central Sector Stations/ traders and through banking from other states.

Mr Ratra disclosed that due to more power available than demand, the weekly off for industry which was relaxed for Sunday has been relaxed on Monday too.

The Chairman further informed that the steam blow out for unit 4 of Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant has been started. The normalisation of the unit shall start in the next 4-5 days and the unit shall be ready for generation in the first week of July.

He said the minor fault in the conveyor belt of unit 3 of the plant has been repaired and it is ready for generation. However, due to low demand of power the unit has been backed down and shall be generating electricity as and when the demand rises.

He assured that PSEB is fully geared up to meet the power demand during paddy season this year.

UNI XC-HS PDT AS1845