The fate of many small hydro power projects in the state hangs in the balance with some of these found to be interfering with big projects in the pipeline while for a few others, unavailability of sufficient water has posed a hurdle.
In this backdrop, the water resources department is mulling to shelve the small hydro projects which were proposed in the vicinity of the reservoir area of a large hydel project or do have adequate water sources.
The 15 MW Dumajhori small hydro-electric project (SHEP) planned by Secunderabad-based Sarvani Energy Ltd in Koraput district is located only four km from the Kolab river and may interfere with the flood water evaluation of Middle Kolab project during high flood.
Similarly, the 10 MW Kharagpur SHEP, also planned in Koraput district, is coming within the reservoir area of Middle Kolab project. This project is to be developed by city-based Sidheswari Power Generation Pvt Ltd.The 25 MW Saheed Lakshman Nayak SHEP to be developed by Hyderabad-based Sileru Power Generation Ltd in Koraput district is under a cloud of uncertainty as the project does not have sufficient water to feed it and there is likelihood of submergence by Kolab project.
Likewise, the 15 MW SHEP on river Kolab between Tentuliguma and Sangumma proposed by Secunderabad-based Pallavi Power & Mines is found to be interfering with functioning of Middle Kolab project. Also, the project does not have sufficient water for its operation.