Shrinking reservoirs increases power woes in Punjab
Vinod Kumar Gupta

Publication Date 13/8/2009

Chandigarh: The monsoon in the north-western part of India, which is deficient by 42 percent of earlier estimates as per Indian Met. Department and shrinking water levels in reservoirs of the Punjab have increased problems on power and water front.

In Punjab the water level of Bhakra reservoir is 1592.80 feet meters against last year level of 1658.85 feet on the corresponding day a shortfall of approximately 66 feet. Today the water capacity is 15 percent of full reservoir level while it was 56 percent last year. The inflow is 1037.36 cubic meters per second while outflow has been restricted to 536.75 cubic meters per second to conserve water for the next season.

The power generation from Bhakra is around 169 lakh units daily.

The water level in Pong reservoir is 1312.89 feet against last year’s level of 1370.17 feet on corresponding day. The water stored in reservoir is 4 percent of full reservoir level against 36 percent last year. The inflow in to reservoir is 354.24 cubic meters per second. The generation from Pong is 23.7 lakh units only.

The filling season of reservoirs is up to September 20 every year and scanty rainfall in catchments areas the water level in reservoir is unlikely to increase much. This will pose water and power problems not only this year but also does not give any reason to smile next year.

The power available from hydro projects has been reduced keeping in line with the reduced water releases.

The power available from hydro projects in the country is 15 percent while rest comes from thermal projects. The power from hydro projects comes handy especially in peak hour consumption during evening hours.

The saving grace for Punjab is that the entire thermal units ion the state are running and are producing 568 lakh units daily. The power supply in the state is 1526 lakh units against demand of more than 2010 lakh units a day thus leaving a gap of 484 lakh units. The peak load demand restrictions in the state in the evening hours are 1500 MW and it was 1176 MW during off peak hours after midnight.

The hot and humid weather has affected the power situation in this part of country as demand has shot up. “The increased use of air conditioners by the public and in offices have worsened the power position,” said Padamjit Singh retired PSEB Chief.

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