Koraput - A fire incident was reported at the Machhkund Hydro Power House, Ankadeli, under Lamtaput Block of Koraput district on 23.05.2026 at around 12.00 noon.
The installed capacity of Machhkund Hydro Power House is 120 MW comprising six generating units. As per the agreements executed between the Governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in 1945, with subsequent revisions in 1978 and 2020, power sharing and Operation & Maintenance expenditure are shared equally by both States on a 50:50 basis. The management, operation and administrative control of the power house are under the Government of Andhra Pradesh and APGENCO.
As per preliminary information received, the incident originated due to bursting of a CT connected to a 2.5 MVA, 11/0.4 kV transformer located outside and adjacent to the powerhouse, which was being used for supplying power to the local area from Machhkund Power House. Thereafter, connected cables caught fire and the flames spread through the cable gallery into the powerhouse, causing damage to certain electrical and allied equipment.
At the time of the incident, all six generating units were in operation. However, all machines were safely shut down immediately and all personnel present inside the powerhouse were evacuated safely. No casualty or injury has been reported.
The fire was brought under control through the prompt efforts of the power house staff with assistance from the Fire Services team from Lamtaput. The fire was completely extinguished at around 4.00 PM.
A detailed assessment of the extent of damage will be carried out by APGENCO, following which necessary repair and replacement works of the damaged equipment will be undertaken. As per preliminary assessment, restoration work and resumption of power generation may take more than six months.
Further updates will be shared after detailed technical evaluation.
