Daijiworld Media Network – Subrahmanya (AF)

Sullia, Jan 5: The proposed Gundya Hydel Project has received backing from Vidyaprasannateertha Swami of Subramanya Math here after M B Jayaram of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) met the pontiff on Thursday January 4 to discuss the details of the project.

The project, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,060 crore will produce 1.136 million units of electricity every year with an installed capacity of 400 mega watts. The water flowing down from hilly terrains will be used for the purpose, without causing any damage to the environment. This will also recharge the underground water level and lessen the problem of water shortage.

Jayaram further explained that 264 people from 43 families will be shifted and rehabilitated at Bachihalli here. Lands belonging to 209 families will get submerged. A sum of Rs 13 crore has been reserved for purpose of rehabilitation, he said.

The project will cover forest, river bed, plantation and agricultural lands. The company plans to compensate for the loss of forest area by alternate forest growth in the surrounding areas.

Jayaram said that the project will not harm the environment and also provide enough drinking water to the area.