Srinagar, June 5: Minister for Irrigation Taj Mohi-ud-din Sunday revealed that a 1975 cabinet order over execution of 690-MW Salal power project by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and its subsequent transfer to the state was “changed by the government in 1985.”
 “Sheikh Sahab (Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah) had entered into a good deal with union Power Ministry over Salal power project. However the terms and conditions for execution of the project and its transfer to J&K were changed in 1985,” Taj said at the seminar.
 The disclosure by the minister comes amid the criticism faced by the state government over purported “missing” of official records and incomplete formalities on the pacts between Jammu and Kashmir government and government of India over execution of some power projects by NHPC in JK.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir Taj said he received information from the State Power Development Department that the terms and conditions on Salal were changed in 1985. “I have asked for the details. We will study the records and the future action will be taken accordingly,” Taj said.
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that the PDD has “retrieved some records” related to Salal. “It clarifies how the terms were changed. They will be submitted to a cabinet sub-committee which has been entrusted to review all the pacts signed between the state and union power ministry over all power projects.”
 Last month Greater Kashmir had reported in detail the state governments’ failure to ensure implementation of its cabinet decisions on Salal and Dulhasti power projects.
 As per the cabinet decision no. 128 of June 21, 1975, on Salal, Jammu and Kashmir was entitled to 50 percent of power generated from the project besides 50 percent share on the returns over selling of remaining power by NHPC. The ownership of the project was to be reverted to the state government after a suitable period on payment of depreciated cost. However the order was never implemented. A 1980 cabinet decision on Dulhasti had met the same fate.
 “Mistakes were committed in the past. These mistakes have to be rectified. We need support of civil society,” Taj said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST