Srinagar, May 9: The power giant, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), on Monday approached state government to complete requisite formalities for several projects to continue operations in JK, under a newly enacted law.
 Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control department, Kashmir division told Greater Kashmir that Corporation authorities at hydro projects--Uri-I and Kishanganga have applied for completing the requisite formalities to continue harnessing water resources in Kashmir for power generation as required under the law--Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management Act).
 “They have deposited licensee fee of Rs 5 lakh for each project,” The CE said.
 Pertinently, Greater Kashmir on last Saturday had reported that NHPC authorities would be approaching state government for completing formalities.
 At Jammu, the NHPC authorities approached the department for completing formalities in case of Sewa-II, along with the license fee.
 “They are completing the formalities for the other two projects—Dul Hasti and Salal tomorrow,” said CE, I&FC, Jammu, AK Sharma. 
 A top official said so far the NHPC has approached I&FC department for these three projects only.
 “There is still some time left for them. We are hopeful they will complete the formalities within the stipulated time,” he said.
 The department had given 6-month time to the companies to complete the formalities after the Act came into force on November 12 last year. The deadline would end on May 12.
 And in case the corporations fail to complete the formalities, the minister for PHE and I&FC, Taj Mohiud-Din had said they would go by the law which provides to stop the water supply to the Corporation projects.  
 Under the Act the Corporations are required to pay the water usage bill for energy generation too.
 Sources said the combined bills due to NHPC and PDC since implementation of law last year are Rs 66 crore for the period between November 12 to December 31 last year, and Rs 125 crore for the first quarter of this year.
 A top NHPC official at state told Greater Kashmir there was issue with the state government on following the law.
 On payment of water usage bill, the NHPC official said they have taken up the issue with the Union Power Ministry.
 “It has to be paid. We are only exploring the options for augmenting the resources to making payments,” the official said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 IST