Amid power crisis, Kerala govt directs KSEB to take control of Maniyar hydro project

The Kerala government has finally directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to take over control of the Maniyar small hydropower project (SHEP) in Pathanamthitta district from Carborundum Universal Ltd. The decision comes at a time when Kerala is struggling with a power crisis.

The 12 MW private power plant (CPP) was at the center of political controversy early last year after the State government hesitated to allow KSEB to take over the project after the 30-year agreement period ending in December 2024. While Carborundum wanted the contract to be extended for 25 years, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition opposed it, claiming that this would set a bad precedent. However, at that time, the LDF government seemed to be in favor of the extension as the Ministry of Industries was emphasizing ease of doing business and attracting new investments in the State.