The Koyna project generates 1960 MW of power and the lake tapping will help provide additional 15 TMC water to the Krishna Valley projects.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, who hails from Satara district, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Water Resources minister Sunil Tatkare witnessed the event.
The first lake tapping was conducted on March 13, 1999 during the Shiv Sena-BJP regime in the state.
The tapping is aimed at generating additional 1,185 million units of electricity every year and ensure that the fourth stage of the Koyna project continues to operate uninterrupted.
"Now, the additional water stored in Koyna dam could be utilised as the second lake tapping was conducted at a depth which was 12 metres lower than the first lake tapping," Chief Engineer (Civil-Hydro Projects), Deepak Modak said.
"The first lake tapping was done with the help of Norwegian technology, while this one was carried out by experts of the state Irrigation Department," he said.
