PANJIM: As Goa lacks electricity generation sources, the State government is contemplating hydropower generation under the Anjunem and Selaulim irrigation projects.
Water Resources Department (WRD) has proposed hydro power generation projects under the public private partnership (PPP). With a plan to have a global tender, the department intends to complete and launch the project by 2023.
Sources said that at present, the proposal is in consideration and a consultant will be appointed to prepare a detailed project report (DPR).
While the Anjunem irrigation project is part of the Mhadei river basin in North, the Selaulim project falls in South Goa’ Guleli river.
In 2006, the government had invited bids with respect to development of 11 small hydropower projects in the State. The government, with the help of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, has identified 11 sites for small hydropower projects on the Mhadei River basin, with a combined potential of 58 MW.
“Government has now decided to revive the proposal taking into account the growing power requirement of the State,” sources said, adding that the proposal will be encouraged on PPP model only.
Sources further pointed out that the State Water Policy 2021, also speaks of expediting such plants in the Mandovi River basin, which has well identified potential for hydro power generation.
“Hydroelectric potential of the Mandovi basin has been well identified. Implementation of hydropower projects needs to be expedited. Hydropower generation can be explored in the PPP basis while keeping all other rights on water and infrastructure with the department,” the revised policy had recommended.
“To reduce Goa’s dependence on external sources, it is necessary for the State to harness its hydro electricity potential to the fullest,” the policy said.
WRD’s Vision Document too had laid emphasis on hydro power generation. It also speaks about modernisation of Selaulim and Anjunem Irrigation Projects under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) World Bank aided Project.