Minister wants generators installed at head works of Hogenakkal project

GARNERING INFORMATION: Municipal Administration and Rural Development Minister K.P. Munusamy (second from left) and Higher Education Minister P. Palaniappan (third from left) being briefed on Hogenakkal Drinking Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation project by M. Ravichandran, Project Chief Engineer, at Hogenakkal on Saturday. Photo: N. Bashkaran

State Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development K.P. Munusamy on Saturday inspected the head works of the Hogenakkal Drinking Water and Fluorosis Mitigation Project on the banks of the Cauvery at Hogenakkal along with State Higher Education Minister P. Palaniappan.

Mr. Munusamy suggested the installation of generators at the head works, from where water will be pumped to the treatment plant by giant motors, as part of the disaster management plan.

Officials, including R. Sudalaikkannan, Managing Director, TWAD Board, explained that TANGEDCO is supplying power through overhead lines from Pennagaram sub station. In addition, it is planning to lay underground cables to provide 9 MVA power for ensuring that the pumping of water from the river is not affected under any circumstances. TANGEDCO is also is in the process of replacing the existing power conductors to meet the project demands.

TANGEDCO officials told

The Hindu that the project needs 2.5 MVA Generator at head works, 4.5 MVA at second point and 2.5 MVA at third point to meet energy requirements in case both lines of power supply is affected.

M. Ravichandran, Project Chief Engineer, said 30 per cent of the construction and pipe-laying works were over. The rest of the works would be undertaken at a fast pace as directed by the government. The project is being implemented under a five-package system.

As many as three municipalities, 17 town panchayats, and 6755 habitations in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts would benefit from the project.

Work on the Rs.1928.80-crore project is being implemented with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to supply drinking water to 30 lakh people in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts.