'42 mini-hydro power projects in Malnad'

However, in reality, the state government had entered into an agreement with the private companies for the setting up of 42 mini hydro power projects in Malnad region, on April 24.

Balakedarara Vedike’s Shankaranarayana Bhat had applied under RTI Act to get complete details on the project area, the power production and the works to be undertaken by the companies. As per the government order (GO NO EN 122 NCE 2009 BANGALORE DATED 26/11/2009), Energy Department Under Secretary to the Government S J Sampath Kumar had entered into an agreement with the private companies on April 24, on the mini hydro power projects. He had signed eight page documents at Vikas Soudha.

As per the agreement, both the government and private parties had signed for 21 conditions. The copy of the agreement letter and the works to be undertaken by the companies are available with the Deccan Herald.

The government giving permission for the setting up of mini hydro power units in Chikmagalur, Sringeri, Koppa, Mudigere, Narasimharajapura have given rise to discussions in the district. In Sringeri Assembly constituency alone, the government had given its nod to generate electricity from mini hydel power projects at 16 places.

In fact, the residents of Seeke in Balehonnur had staged a protest when the officials visited the spot for conducting survey recently.