Kotla powerhouse machine lying defunct
BBMB denies any losses
Megha Mann
Tribune News Service

Anandpur Sahib, January 10
The 28 MW machine at Kotla powerhouse of Nangal hydel channel has been lying defunct causing great loss to Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as well as Punjab in terms of economy and power.

Despite acute power shortage in Punjab, the machine has not been made functional since it went out of order in January 29, 2009.

Upgraded in 1999, the machine has problem in its runner portion that breaks off. Since 1999, it has gone out of order for the third time, but awaits repairs.

Commissioned in 1953, the Kotla and Ganguwal powerhouses on Nangal hydel channel were originally installed with two American machines and one Japanese machine.

These machines outlived their 30 to 35 years of life and were replaced with machinery from renowned Indian heavy electrical company.

Shutdown of this machine has not only caused power and economic losses for already power-starved state, but is also resulting in waste of water required to run it.

As many as 4000 cusecs of water per second runs this machine. “Since the machine is lying defunct, the water passes by the power house unutilised. This has been happening for the past more than one year,” pointed out sources in the BBMB.

Sources added that though machine was upgraded to 28 MW from 25 MW, but it had never generated power to the full capacity.

Meanwhile, BBMB resident engineer Pawan Sharma agreed that machine has been lying defunct.

“But this is not causing any power losses as the water is diverted to Anandpur Sahib hydel channel, which produces power for the BBMB. This is termed as deemed generation,” Sharma said.

He added that water was being diverted into Anandpur Sahib hydel channel since February 1, 2009.

“The machine has been repaired and would be soon made available with the BBMB for re-installation,” he said.