Omar for fast tracking power generation schemes Approves 12 MW Karnah power project

JAMMU: Stressing the need for fast tracking power generation schemes in the State to shrink the gap between its availability and utilization, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday approved updating of Karnah Hydro Power Project from 2 MW to 12 MWs to augment the electric supply in the remote area.
Chairing the 63rd meeting of Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), the Chief Minister also sanctioned works programme for execution of various power projects involving Rs. 1118 crores. He also approved creation of recreation centre and park by the Corporation at Kulan over an area of 100 kanals and making available JKSPDC land for Degree College, Kangan.
The Chief Minister said that his Government has flagged power sector as one of the most important concerns adding that his Government is keen to transform the power generation scenario in the State from deficit status to the self-reliant one. He asked the JKSPDC to put in redoubled efforts in helping to accomplish this stupendous goal.
Omar Abdullah said that sufficient availability of electricity by our own means would give considerable forward push to the development and growth of all sectors in the State adding that JKSPDC has a vital role to play in this direction. “The pace on progress of new power projects under execution by Corporation need to be accelerated”, he stressed.
The Chief Minister called for closer cooperation between JKSPDC and Power Development Department (PDD) for utilization of power generated by the Corporation in the State. He also emphasized on dependable power transmission and distribution network to reduce the transmission losses.
Omar Abdullah received the brief on the status of hydro power potential in Ladakh for which he has already unveiled Indus Concept Plan at Dha while commissioning 1.26 MW Sanjak power project constructed by JKSPDC. Asking for optimum utilization of existing infrastructure for projects on Sindh River the Chief Minister emphasized on harnessing of maximum potential available. He received details of the progress on 93 MW New Ganderbal, 84 MW Shutkari Kulan and 27 MW Kanzil Wangat hydro electric projects in pipeline on Sindh River.
Managing Director, JKPDC, Shaleen Kabra informed the Board about the capacity addition of 4000 MWs in the State sector by way of major projects taken up by the Corporation. He gave details of the tendering process for various projects. He said tendering process of three projects – 93 MW New Ganderbal, 48 MW Lower Kalnai and 60 MW Parnai – has commenced on July 2011.
He intimated about the likely upward revision of capacity of Sawlakote HEP in view of the extensive power potential studies carried out recently. He also gave resume of the status of Karthai-I HEP and said that the capacity of the project is likely to go up from 240 MW to 400 MWs. He said Pre-Qualification Bids (PQB) are likely to be issued next month.
The Managing Director also informed about the progress on 990 MW Karthai-II adding that the project at present was under advanced stage of examination.
Present in the meeting were Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Economic Advisor to the Government, Jaleel Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Finance, Sudhanshu Pandey, Commissioner Power, Basharat Ahmad Dhar, Secretary, Managing Director, JKSPDC, Shaleen Kabra, Secretary, Sunil Gupta and other officers of the Corporation.
The Board noted the increase in the assessed capacity on the Indus River from earlier 182 MWs to 760 MWs worked out by JKSPDC. It also took note of the commissioning of Sanjak hydel project in October this year in Ladakh and resumption of generation of 1 MW Bhaderwah HEP along with completion process of its 4thunit. The Board also took note of the activities of the Corporation to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities which included utilization of assets for schools, hospitals, irrigation, water supply etc.
Matters relating to the recruitment, restructuring of the Corporation, Audit and introduction of new courses in the five ITIs taken up by the Corporation at Bhalesa, Basholi, Dharmadi, Kalakote and Kangan were also taken note of in the meeting.