Climate change as result of global warming is affecting hydro power generation. This is evident from the power crisis in Karnataka. The State of Karnataka, like other parts of the country, for sometimes experiencing frequent power cut. Apart from other reasons, the main reason for insufficient power supply is said to be due to poor pre-monsoon rainfall and the resultant low water level in dam.
The storage level in major dams where the hydel reservoirs are located is much lesser than last year’s. On the hydroelectric power front, only 3,900 million units could be generated against 5,400 million units last year, resulting in a shortage of 1,500 million units, which is the consumption requirement for a month. The water level at Sharavathi hydel plant, which supplies substantial power to Bangalore — it has sunk to dangerously low levels.
The state which was generating 40% of its power from hydro power plants is now generating only 10%.
Source: Times of India
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