Amid dipping power generation, KPC begins desilting at Jog Falls

The majestic Jog Falls in Sagara Taluk, Karnataka has lost much of its splendour thanks to the Linganamakki Dam, built for power generation. 

Electricity is generated from three hydroelectric plants on the River Sharavathi. In order, they are the Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Sharavati Power Generation Plant and the Gerusoppa Hydroelectric project (which is served by the smaller Gerusoppa dam). 

These plants, especially the Sharavati Power Generation Plant, are the backbone of Karnataka's electricity generation. But power generation has been on the wane lately, in large part due to heavy silting at the Linganamakki Dam gates. 

At full capacity, the flow of water to the Mahatma Gandhi plant is 1200 cusecs, which generates 139.2 MW of power from eight units. However, due to silting at the China gate of the dam, the flow of water has lowered to 600 cusecs, disrupting power generation. 

To rectify this, the Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC) has taken up de-silting work with immediate effect. 

Currently, power generation at the Mahatma Gandhi planet is halted in the mornings and water levels are heavily reduced to ease the de-silting process.

Akshata Underwater Services is de-silting the water body, by pumping out water and filtering the silt from it, with the help of a generator. Every evening, water levels are restored, and power is generated till the next morning. 

In addition, the water levels in the Talakalale balancing reservoir in Kargal are also maintained to facilitate the work. 

• Jog Falls
• desilting
• power generation