Jeypore (Koraput): A major fire broke out at the Machhkund Hydropower Station in Lamtaput block of Koraput district on Saturday, causing significant damage to electrical equipment and injuring an assistant engineer.
According to reports, four out of the five turbines at the plant were automatically shut down due to high voltage, but one turbine continued running. The fire reportedly originated from this turbine and its associated panel board before spreading to other parts of the power station.
Fire brigade teams from Lamtaput rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after considerable effort. Preliminary estimates suggest that electrical equipment worth around Rs 20 lakh was completely destroyed in the incident.
The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, though officials have initiated a detailed investigation to determine the exact reason. An assistant engineer sustained injuries while attempting to control the fire. He has been provided medical attention.
This is not the first time the Machhkund Hydropower Station has faced such an incident. A similar fire had occurred at the plant in 2008. However, Saturday’s blaze has caused substantial property damage and is likely to impact electricity generation and supply in the coming days.
The Machhkund Hydropower Project has an installed capacity of 120 MW and employs more than 200 personnel.
