Jammu, Oct 31: In a positive development, the J&K State Power Development Corporation has secured the environment clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for Baglihar-II Hydro Power Project. With this, the work on the project is likely to gain momentum.
 According to official sources around 40 per cent underground work of the project, which did not require any environmental clearance, has already been completed.
 But major component of the 450 MW Bagalihar-II project in Ramban district was awaiting the environment clearance for last around two years.
 “The high-power committee on the power projects in union environment ministry has finally given its nod, which will enable us to start the work of the `over-ground’ components of the project”, sources in the Corporation told Greater Kashmir.
 They said that presently the work on three major components which are mainly underground works, are being carried out. This includes the work on Head Race Tunnel (HRT), Pressure Shaft and Power House.
 “As of now around 40 per cent of the work has been completed but the work on major component could not be started due to the delay in securing environment clearance”, sources said.
 The manufacturing of all electromechanical equipments for the project is yet to be completed as the work on layout of equipment is in process, they said. 
 When contacted, Managing Director, JKSPDC, Basharat Ahmed Dar said that the work on the project was going on as per schedule.
 “We are hopeful that all three units, each of a capacity of 150 MW, will be commissioned within stipulated time of 2015”, he said.
 “All arrangements for the project have been completed including the financial closure. Besides, 11 hydro projects have been allotted to JKSPDC which is a great achievement for us”, Dar added.
 Pertinently, the run of the river project coming up in district Ramban on Chenab, is scheduled for completion in 2015 and would generate about 1,300 million units of power annually.
 The project involves two types of works— civil and electromechanical, which are being executed by New Delhi-based Jayprakash for civil and Voithhydro Ltd for electro-mechanical works.
 The project is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 3113.19 crore and shall be funded by Power Finance Corporation and J&K Bank to the extent of Rs 1679.23 crore and Rs 500 crore respectively with the balance requirement being met through state equity.
 The dam built for Baglihar-I would also be used for the Phase-II of the power project.
 At present, J&K generates 758 MW from state-owned power projects including, Baglihar-I against the actual requirement of 2,400 MW, while NHPC generates 1,700 MW from J&K.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST