Hydel unit at Kateel resumes power generation.

After remaining non-functional for two years, a pilot mini hydel power generation unit set up at Kateel became operational since 15th July evening to supply power to Sri Durgaparameshwari temple.

The unit set up in 2012 to produce power from Nandini river became non-functional after supplying power for a week to the temple. G.K. Ratnakar of Jayapura in Chikmagalur district, an expert in setting up mini hydel units, had set up the unit at Kateel.

If Mr. Ratnakar alleged that it was the responsibility of the temple to maintain it, the temple authorities alleged that Mr. Ratnakar had promised it would produce 25 kW of power but did not design it to that capacity, apart from not laying power supply cables inside the temple. Mr. Ratnakar turned up on 15th july only after the temple served a notice to him through a lawyer.

Denying this, Mr. Ratnakar said as it was a pilot project, it was set up as a 5 kW capacity unit in consultation with the then Deputy Commissioner N.S. Channappa Gowda. He said temple authorities had promised to lay power supply cables but did not do so.

The matter went up to DC A.B. Ibrahim on Wednesday. Mr. Ibrahim instructed the managing director of Mescom to study its viability as it was only a pilot project and see if it was possible to increase its capacity.

Mr. Ibrahim told The Hindu that he instructed the temple to maintain it henceforth. Mr. Ratnakar said the unit was supplying 3 kW of power as of now, enough for lighting up the temple.


THE HINDU