Owing to the failure of both south-west and north-east monsoons and the subsequent drastic reduction of inflows into main hydro reservoirs in the state, the Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTransco) today urged the farmers not to go in for the third crop i.e., Khathera during April to June.
There would be no hydel power generation from April 10, as meagre quantities of water were available in hydel reservoirs, it said.
Almost all the reservoirs in Krishna basin and even in Silerau complex for the first of its kind had gone below the minimum draw down levels (MDDL), according to a Transco's press release.
While reviewing the district-wise power supply position with the senior officials of the utility, Transco chairman & managing director (CMD) Rachel Chatterjee informed that the power utility along with Discoms was making all efforts to maintain maximum possible power supply to all categories, particularly the agricultural sector.
As against the projected figure of 6,999 million units (MU), the actual hydro generation during the current year was only at 3,300 MU.
Despite this, Transco was able to provide adequate power supply during the khariff and the rabi seasons of 2002-03, the release added.
During the khariff season, Transco incurred an additional expenditure of over Rs 615 crore in order to save the standing crops.
Utmost care was taken to ensure the scheduled hours of supply to the agricultural consumers with the least available hydro and other sources of generation, Chatterjee stated.
Assuring that standing crops are not affected, she said that the department was clearly informing the public about supply hours and quickly responding to the local problems.
As the study preparations of the students in ongoing exams season would also lead to drastic increase in demand, Transco urged the farmers not to take up khathera since it would put to loss and inconvenience in the event of inadequate power supply, the press release added.
