New Delhi, May 9: Despite a specific provision in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Union Ministry of Power with the Jammu and Kashmir Government for working out a mutually acceptable methodology for transfer of NHPC-run power projects to the state, no measure has so far been initiated to start the process.
This was disclosed by the Union Minister of State for Power K C Venugopal while replying to a question posed

by National Conference (NC) Rajya Sabha MP G N Rattanpuri in Rajya Sabha.
Responding to a specific query by Rattanpuri on whether any negotiations have been held for transfer of any of the NHPC power projects built and being operated by the NHPC in the state, the Minister replied in negative. “Despite a provision in the MoU no negotiations have started in this regard,” he responded.
MoU was signed by the Union Ministry and the J&K Government on July 20, 2007 vide which seven hydroelectric projects were given to the NHPC for funding, execution and operation. The projects are Kishanganga, Uri-II, Bursar, Sewa-II, Pakal Dul, Nimmo Bazgo and Chutak.
The Ministry stated that the state government has requested for working out a methodology for transfer of these projects to the latter. But talks are still to take off.
Replying to a related question, the Minister disclosed that the NHPC has leasehold rights of land for Sewa-II. In case of Dulhasti the land required for construction, operation and maintenance of the project was to be acquired by DC Doda in the name of state government to be subsequently leased out to the NHPC.
Regarding Salal, the ownership of the land belonging to the project vests with the state. At the time of its purchase, Salal was owned by the Centre and was later transferred to the NHPC on ownership basis from November 1, 1987. In case of Uri-II, the land was mutated in favour of the NHPC and it is in its possession for the past 25 years.
The land acquired for construction of Kishanganga project would be on lease hold basis as per the state land acquisition Act and its mutation is under process. The land for Nimmo Bazgo and Chutak have also been acquired on lease basis for NHPC.
According to information furnished by the Power Ministry, the NHPC has paid Rs 639 crore as water usage charges to the state government till March 2012. The charges are for Salal, Dulhasti, Sewa-II and Uri Power stations.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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