KPCL fails to extend validity of TEC, leaves 200 MW Gundia HEP high and dry

The 200 MW Gundia hydro electric project has not been taken up for execution till date due to Karnataka Power Corporation Limited's (KPCL) failure to seek a validity extension of the techno economic clearance.

8In its defense, KPCL has informed that it had submitted the application for diversion of forest land to the state forest department.

Subsequently, the proposal was forwarded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)

for its recommendations.
8However, in its report, WGEEP indicated that the environment ministry need not permit the execution, in 3 stages or 2 phases, of the Gundia

HEP as the loss of diversity and environmental impacts would be significant.
8KPCL has blamed the above mentioned reasons for its inability to proceed with the requisite project works, and has now requested the Central

Electricity Authority (CEA) to take up the matter of forest and environmental clearances with the MoEF.
8Pertinently, the 200 MW hydel project is planned on river Gundia and was awarded concurrence by CEA at an estimated present day cost of Rs

1,195 crore, as per November 2007 price levels.