Thiruvananthapuram, 02 May (H.S.): The Kerala government has temporarily halted the move by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to take over the Maniyar hydel power project in Pathanamthitta, following intervention from the Industries Department and amid an ongoing dispute with Carborundum Universal Limited.

The decision comes after the Chief Secretary directed KSEB to suspend all takeover actions until a subcommittee appointed to study the issue submits its report. The Industries Department had earlier advised against any hasty action before a comprehensive review.

KSEB had recently issued orders to reclaim control of the Maniyar hydel project after the expiry of the contract period. However, tensions escalated when KSEB officials who reached the site to implement the order were allegedly prevented from proceeding by representatives of Carborundum Universal Limited, which currently operates the project.

With the utility preparing for stricter enforcement measures, the Industries Department stepped in, citing procedural lapses and the need for due diligence. Industries Minister P. Rajeev reportedly criticised KSEB’s move during a Cabinet meeting, stating that initiating takeover actions before the subcommittee’s findings was inappropriate.

Following the Cabinet discussion, the Chief Secretary issued strict instructions to the KSEB Managing Director to immediately halt all takeover actions. The order has also been communicated to the Pathanamthitta District Collector.

The development is significant as Carborundum Universal Limited has already approached the Kerala High Court over the ownership dispute. The government’s decision to pause the process indicates a cautious approach, balancing administrative action with legal considerations.

Further action on the Maniyar project will be taken only after examining the legal aspects and the subcommittee’s report. Until then, control of the project will remain with the company.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman