State should go in for hydroelectric projects: Balan

 
Electricity Minister A.K.Balan saidthat Kerala would be plunged into darkness if it did not go in for hydroelectric projects. The State produced only half its requirement, he said. the Minister said the Government had received sanction to start 33 hydel project. It took more than 10 years to get various clearance for the Athirappilly project, he said.These projects when completed will generate 500 MW power. The Minister said 250 MW would be produced from wind energy during the next four years of the LDF Government. The delay in getting sanction for hydel project was on account of opposition from environmental groups and other technical reasons. Any project takes more than 10 years to get sanction.


(The Hindu, 20th April 2007)