Mini hydel project commissioned

Kozhikode, Feb 19 (PTI): Kerala Electricity Minister A KBalan today commissioned the 4.8 MW Poozhithodu mini hydelpower project in Kozhikode district.

Work on the run-of-the-river hydroelectricity project,wherethe natural flow and elevation drop of the river is used togenerate electricity, was started in March 2009 and completedwithin 20 months.

The hydroelectric project has a weir, a 120-metre longpenstock pipe and a power house with three generators eachwith 1.60 MW capacity.

For the Rs 32.79 crore project, the Ministry for New andRenewable Energy has provided a grant of about Rs four crore,of which Rs 2.21 crore has already been received, KSEB Boardsources said.

Electricity generated will be transmitted to Kuttiadisubstation through a 14-km electricity line. The water usedfor the project will be diverted back to the river.

The project has come up on 20 acres, acquired from 10private land owners.