1000-MW Karcham Wangtu unit still awaits repairs

The closure of the 1,000-MW Karcham Wangtu hydroelectricity project due to profuse water leakage from the surge shaft and the water-conducting system has again raised concerns about the safety of hydroelectricity projects being constructed in the private sector.

It has also underlined the need for putting in place an effective mechanism for the proper monitoring of projects during the course of construction. The project was closed for urgent repairs last month after the Directorate of Energy issued a notice to the Jaypee Company to rectify the defect as continuous leakage would not only aggravate the problem, but could cause damage in the areas downhill as well.