Another hydel project coming up in Idukki; Will Forest Department’s stance pose a hurdle?

Udumbannoor (Idukki): Kerala’s power hub Idukki is set to add another small hydroelectric project to its portfolio, this time at the Keezharkuthu waterfalls in Udumbannoor, about 25 kilometres from Thodupuzha. The project has reached its final stages of preliminary procedures and awaits final clearance from the Forest and Environment Department before construction can begin.

The plant is expected to generate 19.8 MW of electricity. Gujarat-based company General Mechanical Works (GMW) has taken up the project, which will operate under the name Keezharkuthu Power Private Limited. The electricity produced will be sold to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) at a fixed rate of ₹3.50 per unit. The initial steps for the project were taken in 2014, with the survey completed in 2018.

Overcoming hurdles

Although a road already exists from Malayinchy to near Keezharkuthu, transporting construction materials to higher elevations remains a challenge. The Forest Department has declined permission to construct a road further up, prompting the decision to install a ropeway for the last one-kilometre stretch.

As compensation for the land is required for the project, the company must acquire and hand over equivalent land elsewhere to the Forest Department. Purchasing patta (title deed) land in Malayinchy for this purpose is not permitted, as the existing pattas in the area are classified as forest pattas. Therefore, the company must provide alternative patta land elsewhere. It is also required to compensate landowners in Malayinchy directly, and the company has reportedly agreed to these conditions.

Concerns remain

Concerns linger as a similar small hydroelectric project launched at Vellakkayam in the Vannappuram panchayat was abandoned midway due to intervention by the Forest Department.