Jammu, Feb 24: Terming power deficit as major challenge to the state, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday stressed on launch of shorter gestation power projects to reap the benefits within the minimal time period.
 Chairing the 61st meeting of Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) here, the Chief Minister reviewed the status of various projects and directed for giving necessary impetus to implementation work.
 The Chief Minister constituted a Sub-Committee headed by the Chief Secretary and comprising of Principal Secretary Planning and Commissioner Secretaries of Finance and Power Departments to look into the matters pertaining to the early launch of Rs. 2113 crore, 450 MW Baglihar-II.
 Omar laid thrust on speeding up the implementation process of 600 MW Kiru, 520 MW Kawar and 1000 MW Pakaldul hydro electro projects (HEPs) in joint venture with NHPC and PTC for which promoters agreement has already been executed which was also rectified by the Board.
 The Chief Minister gave approval to the proposal of taking up Rs 409 crore 50 MW Lower Kalnai HEP in the State Sector under Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode giving directions for its early launch. He also directed for speeding up work on Rs 686 crore 93 MW New Ganderbal HEP.
 The Board was informed that bidding process for New Ganderbal HEP would start in August 2011 and work is likely to be awarded in September 2011. The project is expected to be commissioned in December 2015. The 50 MW Lower Kalnai HEP is likely to be commissioned in 2015 while as Rs. 398 crore, 37.5 MW Parnai HEP is being awarded in September this year and its completion target is September 2015.
 In a PowerPoint presentation, Managing Director, JKSPDC, Shaleen Kabra stated that Rs. 6080 crore 990 MW Karthai-II will be processed for bidding under Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and is likely to be completed in 2017 while as Rs. 1257 crore 240 MW Karthai-I will also be implemented in the State Sector also under (EPC) mode. The project is likely to be awarded in 2011 and to be completed in 2017.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST