Bhubaneswar, Oct. 13: The state government has decided to modernise the hydel power plants in Odisha in the wake of a hue and cry over fall in electricity production from the reservoir-based units.

However, power cuts continues through out the state, including Bhubaneswar.

The state aims to invest around Rs 888 crore for the purpose. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik today.

According to the decision, two units of Hirakud hydel power would be renovated. Besides, one unit of Chipilima and six units of Baliemela hydro power projects would also be revamped.

Energy secretary Suresh Mohapatra said: "We will go for modernisation of the hydel units. The two units of the Hirakud hydel project would be renovated with an investment of Rs 158 crore."

Hirakud's seven hydel units have an installed capacity of 275 mega units of power, but presently it is producing between 105 to 140 mega units.

Mohapatra said: "The Hirakud power project, which was built during 1960s, needs urgent repair. Work order for the two units of the Hirakud projects have already been given. The renovation will be completed in two-and-a-half years. Once the project is complete, power generation will be augmented."

The Chiplima hydro power project will be renovated at a cost of Rs 65.67 crore. However, the state government has earmarked Rs Rs 664 crore to renovate six units of the Balimela project.

Though the first two units of the Balimela hydro project were set up in 1973-74, the remaining six units were installed in 1977. The lifespan of a hydroelectric project is 30 years. "We will go for complete renovation instead of part repairs," said Mohapatra.

Once the modernisation process is complete, the present capacity of the Balimela hydroelectric project, which is 1,150 million units, will increase by 150 million units.