Palakkad plans second hydel power project.

After becoming the first local body in the country to own a mini-hydel power project by commissioning the Meenvallom powerhouse, the Palakkad district panchayat has now began efforts to establish a similar power project at the Chindillam waterfalls at Palakuzhy, near Kizhakkanchery. The panchayat has set apart Rs.4 crore for initial expenses in its annual budget, which was presented recently. As per the plan, the project will be a reality in another three years.

District panchayat secretary T.S. Majeed said four acres would be acquired for the project and the works would begin soon. The project aimed at generating 3.78 MW at the initial stage. The panchayat was expecting Central and State funds for the project, which may set an example for the other local bodies.

The panchayat implemented the Meenvallom project at Karimba in the Bharathapuzha river basin after expending Rs.12 crore. It was commissioned in June last year.

As in the case of the Meenvallom project, the new project also would sell generated power to the Kerala State Electricity Board.

Engineers of the panchayat said the project was aimed at generating peak load time power. The project was expected to produce power valued at more than Rs.2 crore annually. The panchayat also has plans to develop tourism in the area.

The Hindu