Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:-

(a) whether a proposal for setting up of Gundia Hydro Electric Project in Hassan district of Karnataka is pending with the Central Electricity Authority for approval; and

(b) if so, the present status of the case and by when the approval to the project is likely to be accorded?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF POWER
(SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE)

(a) & (b) : No Sir. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) have informed that no proposal for concurrence of Gundia Hydro Electric Project in Hassan District of Karnataka is pending with them for approval. However, CEA have also informed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Gundia Hydro Electric Project (2 x 200 MW), located in Hassan and Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka was submitted by Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) to CEA in July, 2006 for concurrence. In the absence of essential inputs/clearances, the DPR could not be processed for concurrence and was returned to KPCL by CEA on 11.08.2006. An Addendum to the DPR was submitted by KPCL in October, 2007 which had major changes from the original DPR. KPCL envisaged development of the project in two Phases; KPCL also changed the type of Turbine from Francis to Pelton wheel. Some of the Geological investigations were also not carried out by KPCL. Due to non-resolution of various issues, the DPR was again returned to KPCL on 17.01.2008 with the request that revised DPR may be submitted to CEA after carrying out the requisite Geological investigations and incorporating the necessary changes and resolution of various outstanding issues.