Generation of power restricated at Koyna Dam

Mumbai: Despite having sufficient water stock, power generation from Koyna dam has been restricted as a precautionary measure. “If the power plant is started at full strength, it will also cause flooding. Hence, power generation has been restricted at the power plant,” an officer from the Maharashtra Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) said on Wednesday.

Heavy rains have affected the daily lives of people in parts of western Maharashtra. Engineers and officers are satisfied with sufficient rain around the dam and wanted to start the power plant at full strength.

The plant had been partially closed for power generation in May due to water shortage. After good amount of rainfall, officers also asked for permission from the irrigation department to start the Koyna plant at full strength.

“As rains continued and enough water storage in the dam, it seemed possible to run the power plant at full strength as per demands.,” the MAHAGENCO officer said. He added, “However, plans to start the plant at full strength were dropped because the demand for power reduced due to the heavy rainfall.”  

Heavy rains since the past few days have caused a major rise in the water level at Koyna dam — one of the largest in the state. At present, the dam boasts of a water storage capacity of nearly 120 thousand million cubic feet (TMC).