Good rain eases power crisis in K'taka: Minister

Bangalore, Sep 15 (UNI) Good rains in the catchment areas of major hydel power projects has eased power crisis in Karnataka, power Minister K S Eswarappa said today.

Talking to newspersons here, he said, ''Karantaka has come out from the Power crisis following incessant rains in catchment areas of major hydal projects, including Linganamakki, Mani and Supa which contribute over 60 per cent of the total power generation in the state.'' Mr Eshwarappa said the Linganamakki Hydal Project, the chief source of power generation station in the state has sufficient back up of water bacause of copious rains during two months.

Two thermal power projects, Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) and the newly commissioned Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS) were generating power to the optimum level, he added.

With the situation improving, power shut down was withdrawn in the state, he said.

Replying to a question, Mr Eshwarappa said there was no proposal before the state government to hike the power tariff since all the five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMS) were enjoying good financial position.

The state Government's decision to supply free power to farmers upto 10 HP had come into force from August one this year, he said, adding the government proposed to collect power bill arrears of over Rs 2800 crore from the farming community in three annual instalments. ''A decision to this effect will be taken soon'' he added.

Replying to a question, the minister said the Transmission and Distribution loss had been brought down to 28 per cent from 36 per cent due to special measures taken. ''Efforts are continuing to bring down the T&D loss further,'' he added.

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