Mouda-I STPP: NTPC lobbies for increased Gosikhurd reservoir levels, even as work stalled

Uncertainties continue to loom over NTPC`s beleaguered 1,000 MW power venture at Mouda, as the Government of Maharashtra (GoM) is yet to provide its assent to NTPC, which is seeking an increase to the water level at the Gosikhurd reservoir, the sole source of water for the project.

• Further, a decision in this regard is unlikely to be forthcoming anytime soon, as the district administration has issued a stop-work notice, alleging violations of the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) norms stipulated for the power plant. The authorities issued this order on May 10, 2010-- throwing a spanner in the works for the Rs 5,500 crore project, expected to produce 24 million units of electricity by 2013. 8Presently, the water level in the Gosikhurd dam is approximately 235 m. The Government of Maharashtra plans to raise the full reservoir level (FRL) to 239 m in this season, while NTPC`s pump requires around 241 m.
• Thus, draw of water from the reservoir would be difficult, as things stand now, although the state government had, earlier, conveyed its in-principle agreement to supply 100 MCM of water annually.