MADIKERI: The controversial mini-hydroelectricity project across the Barapole has taken a new turn. Environmentalists in Kodagu are up in arms against the Barapole Small Hydroelectric Project at the tail end of the river, which runs into Kerala.

Cauvery Sene, Kodagu Anekattu Virodhi Samiti, Coorg Wildlife Society and several associations and youth clubs have taken exception to the proposed project by the Kerala Government alleging that it will submerge vast tracts of forestland in the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in the district.

Ravi Chengappa of the sene told presspersons here that his organisation and other associations will not allow former MLC A.K. Subbaiah to organise a pro-Barapole convention anywhere in Kodagu. He alleged that Mr. Subbaiah is planning to organise such a meeting in support of the project within Kodagu.

Raghu Machaiah of the Kodagu Anekatte Virodhi Samiti, who provided some details of the Kerala project, said the Small Hydro Division of the Energy Management Centre (EMC), Trivandrum, an autonomous body under the Power Department, Government of Kerala, is undertaking consultancy service for the Kerala project being implemented by various Government agencies, public-sector undertakings and the Kerala Electricity Board.

The project's installed capacity is 21 MW, he said and added that the power generated will benefit the Travancore Cochin Chemicals. The project will cost over Rs. 50 crores, he said. The project falls under the Ayyankunnu panchayat of Thalassery taluk in Kannur district. The project envisages the construction of a diversion weir, a power channel running 2.75 km, a circular forebay tank, a single line penstock from the forebay tank to the power house, an overground power house to accommodate generating equipment, tail race channel and a switch yard to suit the proposed 110-Kv line up to the Iritty substation.

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