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Need to exploit Koraput hydel potential

KORAPUT: The hydro-electric power potential of Koraput district has not been exploited to the maximum, Nrusingha Nanda Panigrahy, retired chief engineer (electrical), Upper Kolab Project, said here on Wednesday. Although the Himalayan region held tremendous potential for this type of power, the rocky nature of the region was its greatest hurdle, raising the possibilities of Koraput becoming the most suitable region for hydel projects, he added.

Efforts were made to construct major hydel projects in Koraput region beginning with the construction of Machkund power project way back in 1926 by Sir Henry Howard which was commissioned in 1941 as the first such project in the entire eastern region of the country, followed by Balimela , Indravati and Kolab power plants , he added. Many smaller hydel projects have also started in the Jeypore-Mathili valley.

While the level difference between reservoirs and the power-houses had prompted the construction of these projects in the past, the current status of the district however demanded setting up of mini and micro hydel projects rather than major power plants . Speaking to The Hindu, he said that the 25 kw micro-hydel project at Putsil village of Semiliguda block in Koraput district was an eye-opener. Moreover, the topography of the region offers maximum possibilities for wind power generation. The district contributed nearly 70 per cent of the hydel power potential of the entire State, more villages could be electrified by constructing micro-hydel projects.

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