TS-AP face-off again: Tussle over hydroelectricity

The hydro power bond is delicate between the Telugu states, as the thermal power bond tumbled-down last week. With the onset of monsoon, flood waters will accumulate at projects in July and towards end of July or beginning August, hydel power generation will commence. The waters from Karnataka will reach Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam and Jurala. A new debate triggered between Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh considering the fact that hydro power generation is less expensive than thermal power generation.

Srisailam project powerhouses which generate 1670Mega Watt have become imperative for both the states. Telugu states have overruled 50:50 sharing of total hydel power generated, as propositioned by the Krishna River Management Board. AP has been demanding higher percentage as Srisailam left bank canal (SLBC) and reversible pumping station is with TS and along with Nagarjuna Sagar power house.

TS challenged higher share to AP, over the lower Sileru dispute where AP was given 460mw powerhouse near Bhadrachalam in Telangana. Lower Sileru was part of the seven mandals in erstwhile Khammam which were transferred to AP. AP refused to give share to TS in Sileru claiming it is inside the states jurisdiction. Likewise, TS denied Jurala share to AP claiming jurisdiction. Consequently, TS doesn’t want to lose power generated from Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar.

The release of water is going to be a problem especially if one state doesn’t want water to be released, the power generation in other state has to be halted. On the contrary if the water release is stopped after it reaches certain level, the power generation in other state will be stalled. The confrontation will commence specifically the monsoons do not deviate from the course.