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Power generation from Narmada dam hits a 15-year low

Hydro power generation from the “lifeline of Gujarat”— the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) on Narmada river — has been decreasing in the last five years with 2018-19 registering lowest ever figure of 594.790 million units since 2004-05.

According to a report by the Narmada Control Authority (NCA), 2016-17 was the only exception to the trend of falling power generation in this period.

Total 2909.433 million units (MU) were generated in 2014-15, 2149.007 MU in 2015-16, 3209.301 MU in 2016-17, 939.440 MU in 2017-18 and 594.790 MU in 2018-19.

Officials ascribe it to scanty rainfall in the last five years and lesser number of “overflowing days”, a necessary requirement for hydro power generation.

Also, the height of the dam increased to full 138.68 metres in June 2017, substantially increasing the water storage capacity of the project.

At 1,450 MW, SSP has fifth largest installed hydropower power generation capacity in India. However, increase in the dam height prevented the water from overflowing, reducing chances of water reaching the River Bed Power House (RBPH) which can generate 1200 MW. The rest of the 250 MW is generated from Canal Bed Power House (CBPH) when water is released from the dam into the canals.

What government says

Commenting on lower power generation, Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel said, “Currently, we are facing a drought-like situation. We are not able to generate electricity from SSP because of less water in the canal. The river has still survived because it is Narmada, otherwise things could have been worse. We are spending a lot to revive affected villages and have prepared contingency plans to supply water till July.”

What officials say

Chairman of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited S S Rathore explained, “Due to less rainfall, the number of ‘overflowing days’ were less. Moreover, the increase in the dam height also prevented the water from overflowing, resulting in less rotation of turbines and overall low generation of energy.” He added that unless the rainfall in Madhya Pradesh is significant, the rainwater preserved in Gujarat does not make a huge difference with its 2.5% catchment area.

The NCA report also reveals that the average annual energy generation from 2014-15 to 2017-18 has reduced by 40% compared to the average annual energy generated from 2009-10 to 2013-14. The reduction in energy generation comes despite the project getting 75% more average annual grant from the Centre after BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014, as compared to UPA’s regime.


What experts say


Experts said once the full height of the dam is reached, and all the gates are closed, the possibility of low energy generation prevails for the first two years. Moreover, the rainfall was not significant last year in Madhya Pradesh as well. If the dam does not overflow, then power generation is hampered.

Inadequate power generation also impacts supply to industries and the state government is forced to buy expensive power from the open market, said an expert associated with generation and distribution of power.


Former Narmada minister Dr Jay Narayan Vyas said, “Narmada is good for drinking water share of 0.8 Million Acre Feet (MAF) but it cannot be the total solution of water crisis in Gujarat. The State will have to learn to live strictly within the prescribed parameters of water use, as per Narmada Tribunal Award.”

He further said, “Once the water table in dam falls below Canal Bed Level (CBL), you can take the water out through Irrigation Bypass Tunnel (IBPT). This can be done only with the approval of Narmada Control Authority (NCA). Against the water so drawn, Gujarat has to compensate MP and Maharashtra by providing the additional power which was lost due to operation of IBPT in 2018.”


What Congress says

Paresh Dhanani, Leader of the Opposition in Gujarat Assembly, said, “Narmada is the lifeline of Gujarat. The BJP has tarnished the image of the project with its politics. Its tactics of closing government units of energy generation and spending thousands of crores in purchasing energy from private companies now stand exposed.”


What farmers say

Jayesh Patel, President of Gujarat Khedut Samaj, said, “We have always raised the issue of government using Narmada water for purposes other than irrigation. During Gujarat Assembly election in 2017, water was released from Madhya Pradesh beyond a desired level, causing an uproar among farmers there. Last year, during the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, Gujarat was deprived of water. Water allocation policies need to be reviewed and there should be a limit to quantity released to industries.


Farmers should get top priority. The Narmada Dam has power units installed at the canal heads as well. Because it has not released ample water in the canal for irrigation purpose, the energy generation is low.”

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