PGCIL seeks land for 33 power sub-stations

From our correspondent

Itagar, Sept 1: Aruchal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday reviewed the ongoing transmission and distribution of power being implemented by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, headed by Prime Minister rendra Modi, had approved the Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution Systems (CSST&DS) in Aruchal Pradesh, along with Sikkim, at an estimated cost of Rs 4754.42-crore.

PGCIL and the State government had signed a MoU for implementation of the scheme in Aruchal Pradesh in February 2015 at an estimated cost of Rs 3199.45-crore, an official report said.

PGCIL chairman cum maging director IS Jha highlighted on the present status of the scheme. He said 29 transmission lines (1,917 km) and 70 distribution lines (1,923 km) were being laid across the State, and under the scheme 94 sub-stations are to be established of which contract works for 61 had been already awarded. “We need land for 33 sub-stations on priority as these are necessary to further the transmission and distribution lines,” he added.

Jha said process of awarding contract for rest of the sub-stations are on, but admitted that due to difficult terrains and other factors response weren’t coming for a few.

He also cited a few hurdles such as forest clearance and compensation issues hampering speedy laying of the transmission and distribution lines. The Chief Minister assured to take up these issues with the authorities and local administration concerned.

On the issue of cost escalation, Khandu said the state government will impress upon the Centre that is considering a review of the scheme. The State power department raised the issue of capacity building of its officials, as PGCIL will hand over the completed projects for running and maintence.

Till 2014, only five out of 20 districts of Aruchal Pradesh were connected to transmission network at 132/220 KV. The 33KV system is the backbone of power distribution system in the State.