more-in The first small hydroelectric power project completed with the participation of a private agency on build-own-operate-and-transfer (BOOT) basis in north Kerala will be commissioned at Pathankayam in Kodenchery on January 17. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the project that can generate 8 MW power using water from the Iruvazhinji river. Mohammed Shafi, the managing director of Minar Renewable Energy Projects Private Limited that was awarded the BOOT project by the government, said the work was completed within 17 months. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Energy Management Centre extended technical support to help complete the undertaking on time, he added. Quality components imported from various foreign countries were used for the project, which was formerly approved by the government under the run-of-the-river hydroelectricity category. Officials said only small check dams were constructed for the purpose and the work was done in an eco-friendly manner, not affecting farmers in the area. They added that only 2.2 hectares of land was used to realise the mini project. Instead of constructing conventional open canals between check dams and surge tank, only metal pipes were used for the work, incorporating inverted siphon technology, they pointed out. The inaugural function will be chaired by George M. Thomas, MLA. Minister for Electricity M.M. Mani will lay the foundation stone for the Anakkampoyil hydroelectric project. Various charity programmes to mark the opening of the project will be launched by Minister for Excise T.P. Ramakrishnan. M.I. Shanavas, MP, will deliver the keynote address.

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