COMMENTARY
INTERVIEWS
SPECIALS
CHAT
ARCHIVES

Himachal, NHPC sign pact on Parbati hydel project, more ventures planned

The Himachal Pradesh government today signed an agreement for the execution of the Rs 100 billion, 2,051 mega-watt Parbati hydro-electric project on the Parbati river, a tributary of the Beas.

Under the agreement, the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation will execute the project with possible World Bank funding, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said.

The agreement was signed by Power Secretary A K Goswami and NHPC chairman and managing director Yogendra Prasad in the presence of Dhumal and Union Power Minister P R Kumaramangalam.

Of the 8,500 million units which will be generated annually by the project, Himachal Pradesh will get 12 per cent free of cost and 18 per cent at generation cost.

The state will avail of its entire annual share during the winter months when it faces short supply of power, Dhumal said.

Himachal Pradesh will earn a revenue of about Rs 4 billion a year on account of the free power.

The project will come up in three stages. The second phase involving generation of 800 MW will be taken up first as the techno-economic clearance has been given for this stage.

While the second phase is expected to be completed in eight years, the entire project will be ready in 12-15 years.

About 80 per cent of the class three and four employees of the project would be recruited from within the state, which will also contribute 30 per cent of executives and engineers.

This is the first time such a provision has been made in any power project agreement, the chief minister said.

The state has identified a hydro-electric potential of more than 21,000 MW of which only about 4,000 MW has been harnessed so far, he said.

Among the various projects being implemented are the Khauli (12 MW) and Gumma (3 MW) in the state sector and 86 MW Malana hydel project in the private sector.

The upcoming projects will have a total generation capacity of 2000 MW.

While one member from each displaced family will be given employment by the NHPC, adequate compensation will be paid to those whose land will be acquired for the project, the chief minister said.

UNI

Business news

Himachal Pradesh