Shimla, Sep 4: A statement issued by the state government on Sunday stated that it generated Rs 3,345 crore revenue in the last four years by selling electricity. The official statement further mentioned that efforts are being made to involve global players so that identified hydel potential of the state could be exploited more efficiently and effectively.
As of now, the state’s hydro power potential has been pegged at of 27,436 MW. Of this, 10,351 MW has already been exploited with the active participation of different agencies working on the field.
Also, in the last four years, Himachal Pradesh government has given technical concurrence to as many as 167 hydro projects of about 700 megawatt (MW). Along with this, 31 hydro power projects aggregating to 2,067 MW have also been commissioned.
The statement stated that HP State Electricity Board is executing 22 eco-friendly projects, having capacity of 300 MW, with a view to protecting fragile environment and speedy exploitation of the potential in the state. Locations for these projects have been identified near Beas, Ravi and Pabbar basins.
To start with, 18 MW project will be executed at Raison in Kullu district on the pilot basis. The World Bank has already accorded its consent to provide funds for the same, the statement added.
The state electricity board has commissioned 22 hydel projects of 487.45 MW capacity and 100 MW Uhl-II project has been completed for which a trial run will be done soon.
The state government has also entrusted the work of four more projects – Devi Kothi, (16 MW), Sai Kothi-I (15 MW), Sai Kothi-II (16.50 MW) and Hael (18 MW) in Chamba district — to the board keeping in view its competency and expertise available with the organisation.
The government said that it has already taken major decisions towards easing out the policy provisions to facilitate investors to overcome the bottlenecks being faced in the implementation of the projects. The developers have been facilitated to submit their applications to the concerned deputy commissioners instead of applying to various district-level offices for obtaining different clearances.
Source Times Of India
