Kerala   

Stop banking on rain, look elsewhere for power

Since Kerala has a long coastline, why not explore the possibility of producing tidal power?

Agreed, it is costly, but instead of buying power from other States, why not use that money for development of tidal power? Tidal power stations must be constructed in all feasible points on the State’s coastal area.

Muhammed Swalih P.

Tanur

Since a bad monsoon creates big problems in power sector, it is necessary that the vagaries of weather are tackled by optimising utility of our existing hydel projects. For that to materialise, components of power generation machinery, such as generators and turbines must be given proper care. Worn out parts should be promptly replaced, de-silting and maintenance works in dams should be carried out on time so that the infrastructure needed to generate power is in good condition and operates with maximum efficiency.

A team of experts should be deployed to monitor condition of power generation facilities so that our hydel projects which give power at cheap rate function with optimum efficiency.

It should be borne in mind that since electricity is now an essential commodity, the efficiency of those entrusted with management of power sector matters to a large extent.

K.K. Kunhikannan

Koyilandy

For energy crisis, the government blames poor rainfall. It is true to an extent.

But, should the authorities not have come up with alternatives, making the most of tidal, wind and solar sources, with which this State is amply blessed?

Another problem is the poor condition of hydroelectric power plants.

If the government maintains them well, they will function more efficiently.

P. Ramlath

Tanur

The only solution to ease out of the present shortage of power supply is to reduce its consumption. Public must be sensitised to save electricity. In this the media can play a major role. Unauthorised use of domestic and industrial power supply should be checked.

There are hundreds of factories in the State, which are cheating the Kerala State Electricity Board. Surprise checks and raids must be conducted in these places and culprits must be heavily fined.

As the monsoon is not yet in full swing, we will have to depend on other States for electricity. Repairing the generators and finding some other alternative sources of electricity can also be tried out.

S.N. Thiruvazhiode

Poonithura

No wonder that Kerala is groping in the dark this monsoon. The reasons are not far to seek. Kerala State Electricity Board is a leviathan unable to move an inch forward. The Centre had ordered restructuring of the Board into Generation, Transmission and Distribution sections, so that some viability is achieved. But the trade unions would not allow.

The Board has asked for more time to implement the restructuring. Generators and power stations are not well maintained. Metres are faulty, and the faulty ones are not replaced. No customer or industry is sure of a constant supply. Dependence on hydroelectricity alone is a risky affair. The State does not want atomic power stations as it fears a Chernobyl from every atomic station. We have to change out mindset to get out of this situation.

M. Ramankutty

Tripunithura

Kerala will be short of electricity in a few years and we will have to find out the alternative sources of energy very soon.

The government, KSEB and the public at large should come together to face the situation. We should reduce the consumption of electricity in all levels. Streetlights should be switched off early in the morning.

Misuse of electricity in government and quasi-government offices, hotels and private offices should be stopped at the earliest. The media can play a major role.

S.N. Panicker

Poonithura

The rain gods did play tricks initially but now the monsoon has gathered momentum. But that should not stop the government from investigating why penstocks leaked so often. How many generators have caught fire and why? All this clearly point out to the lack of maintenance, supervision and failure to locate faults in time and take remedial action.

It can also be argued that it is the failure of the Minister concerned and his staff. Here is a utility department, which receives payment for its services. Is there a maintenance record of generators?

Does anyone inspect transformers and check whether there is sufficient oil in it? The department must consider the anguish of the people who pay for the services. If the Minister concerned is sensible enough, he must privatise the department.

P.M.G. Pillai

Mannar

The recent announcement of one-hour load shedding, which was later cut short to half-an-hour by the State government revealed that the State is weak in catering to the burgeoning power needs of its people. Kerala is yet to face acute shortage of power and water.

This is the perfect time to switch over to alternate sources of power. The State should encourage the use of solar devices at both commercial and domestic levels.

Promotion of other sources of energy by social organisations such as Kudumbashree units will prove effective. For instance, there are many single households, which have adopted biogas for safe and clean disposal of domestic wastes.

Similar ventures can be initialised in regard of power consumption thereby, preventing load- sheddings in the future.

Global warming and drastic climatic changes have grabbed all eyes and ears. Kerala, being a coastal State will be the first to be swallowed by the rising sea levels.

Hence, the need of the hour is to switch over to nature- friendly methods to satisfy human wants and desires

Krishna. K.,

Maradu

Hydel power is unprofitable, eco-hostile and moreover, the projects’ utility diminishes with time. Now, top priority must be accorded to nuclear power, which is also pollution-free. Tapping wind, sea waves and solar energy can be area-specific alternatives that can reduce pressure on power grid during peak hours. As a State with nine months of sunshine, solar energy could be a boon for domestic purposes, if cost of solar units is reduced with innovative technologies. KSEB should be restructured as it has become the playground of politicians and trade unionists. Its monopoly should be stopped and private firms should be permitted to contribute under strict government supervision. Finally we should understand the value of energy. Wasting electricity in the name of celebrations and public meetings should be stopped.

K.K. Janardanan

Thottada

One cannot expect weather gods to be charitable often. Last year it rained cats and dogs. This year, many places witnessed drizzles. Authorities must be prepared for such eventualities. We have plenty of water when compared to other regions, but it is not being conserved properly for future use. The issue seems to have been sidelined. Much water, which could otherwise be gainfully used, is being wasted. Since Kerala relies primarily on hydel power, failure of monsoon will have a telling effect on power generation. We have many options to avert this crisis, but have consistently failed to take bold measures.

K.G. Koru Kuttan Nair

Palakkad

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