Himachal nod to 167 hydroelectric projects in four years

Shimla, Sept 3: Himachal Pradesh, with a power generation potential of about 27,000 MW, has accorded approval to 167 hydroelectric projects in four years, the state government said on Sunday.

During this period, 31 projects aggregating to 2,067 Megawatt capacity were commissioned, including 800 MW Kol Dam, 412 MW Rampur, 130 MW Kashang and 520 MW Parbati projects, a government statement said. Of the 27,000 MW power potential in Himachal, only 10,400 MW has been tapped so far. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd has started execution of at least 22 projects totalling 300 MW capacity. To start with, an 18 MW project will be executed at Raisan in Kullu district on a pilot basis. The World Bank will provide funding for it. For ensuring safety and quality control in hydroelectric projects, the state has created a safety and quality control authority under the Directorate of Energy.

Mandatory procedural guidelines for dam safety and operatiol procedures have been enforced. Mandatory inspections of operatiol projects have been ensured and flood safety measures regulated to avoid mishaps during monsoons, the government said. A monitoring unit has also been established to look after the progress of projects and also to assess the milestones achieved by the project developers. The state has also simplified the procedure for obtaining techno-clearance. The Directorate of Energy has been authorised to issue technical concurrence to such projects whose total cost of construction is less than Rs 1,000 crore. (IANS)