Question : CONSTRUCTION OF POWER TRANSMISSION LINES UNDER WATER

(a) whether the Government are aware that transmission lines being constructed in the middle of rivers are altering the river currents and creating life-threatening hazards to people who use rivers for their livelihood;

(b) if so, whether any technology is available to construct power transmission lines under the water at the same cost;

(c) if so, the reasons for damaging the free flow of rivers by over-river construction of transmission towers by various Government agencies;

(d) whether any guidelines have been laid down for this purpose; and

(e) the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )


(a) to (e) : Every effort is made that transmission towers are not constructed in the river bed but are placed on the firm banks of the river falling in the route of the transmission lines. However, in a few cases, where the width of the river is more than 1000 meter, mid-stream towers are provided on pile or well foundation at every 1000 meter interval as against the large number of piers (generally at every 50 meter interval) over well foundations for road and railway bridges. These tower foundations, which are comparatively small structures, do no alter the river currents or the free flow of water in a river and do not pose hazards to people who use rivers for their livelihood. Though technologies are available for underwater cable, these are costly, when compared to overhead transmission. Thus, normally overhead transmission lines are constructed for transmission of power in India.