THE KERALA STATE GOVERNMENT in India is planning to bring out a policy on tapping the large potential for power generation from small hydroelectric sources in the state.
According to electricity minister Kadavoor Sivadasan, small hydro potential in the state is estimated at 600MW. A technical study has been completed on developing this potential and was now before Cabinet. Speaking during a Government Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram on 13 June 2002, Sivadasan said the government would study the report and formulate a policy.
He added that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had identified 18 projects to be implemented with the International Network on Small Hydroelectric Power, a Chinese Agency. Consequently work on four pilot projects had commenced.
Sivadasan told the assembly that the Chengulam Augmentation, Peppara and Lower Meenmutti hydroelectric schemes had already been cleared.