HASSAN: Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) has prepared a detailed project report on the controversial Gundia hydroelectric project, which is coming up in Sakleshpur taluk. In all probability, work on the project will begin in April 2007, according to Minister for Public Works and Energy H.D. Revanna. The project is facing stiff opposition from various environmental organisations. A group of them conducted a `padayatra' through the villages likely to be affected by the project, which drew a good response.

Mr. Revanna told presspersons here on Tuesday that besides the Gundia project, KPTCL also wanted to take up the Tadari power project in Uttara Kannada district to improve the power situation in the State. Incidentally the Tadari project is also facing opposition from environmental groups. He said KPTCL was planning to invest Rs. 1,775 crore to improve power supply in the State, and the Karnataka Electricity Regulation Commission (KERC) had given permission for it. He the plan was to construct 204 substations, draw 202 new distribution lines and upgrade the capacity of 168 substations.

The KREC had approved a Rs. 375-crore project to supply power to 49 villages and 13.20 lakh rural houses in 17 districts. KPTCL also had plans to energise 25,000 irrigation pumpsets and extend the `Kuteer Jyothi' scheme to 5.50 lakh families.

An energy audit system had been introduced to cut transmission and distribution losses.

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