news details |
|
|
| Pakal Dul project cost escalates to Rs 8848 cr, work on at snail's pace | | | Syed Junaid Hashmi
JAMMU, Nov 5: With both men and machine moving at snail's pace, cost escalation has taken toll of1,000 megawatt Pakal Dul hydroelectric power project.
According to a report of Union Ministry for Power, the cost has escalated from Rs. 5088 crore to Rs 8,848 crore i.e. a jump of around Rs 3760 crore. The report has said that the time delay in the execution of Pakal Dul hydroelectric project and the consequent cost escalation has assumed ala-rming proportions.
It has added that reasons for delays include environment-related problems, opposition from pressure groups, improper rehabilitation and resettlement plans and change in the scope of the project while stressing that proper mechanism to address these issues would go a long way in avoiding delays and, consequently, conserving our national resources.
1,000 megawatt Pakal Dul hydroelectric power project is being constructed on river Marusudar, the main right bank tributary of river Chenab in Kishtwar Tehsil of Doda District. The project is being implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPP) -- a joint venture (JV) of NHPC, JKSPDC and PTC.
It needs to be mentioned here that DPR of Pakal Dul project involves diversion of 386.186 hectares of forest land in Kishtwar high altitude National Park (KHANP). Supreme Court vide order dated 6-12-2010 granted permission for implementation of project, subject to prior compliance of conditions imposed by National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and that of centrally empowered committee (CEC) report dated 22-02-2010.
Forest clearance for 311.042 hac of forest land (falling outside KHANP) has been given by state government. The project is being executed by JVC signed on 10-10-2008 amongst NHPC, JKSPDC and PTC). The JVC company is 'Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited' (CVPP). Ministry of Environment and Forest vide letter dated 12-07-2012 had conveyed the 'no objection' for transfer of Environment Clearance from NHPC Ltd., to M/s CVPPP Ltd., and interalia mentioned that all other conditions of environment clearance dated 29-02-2008 for the Project shall remain unaltered.
Board of Directors has been nominated by the state government and NHPC. A note seeking approval for formation of Joint Venture and for infusing equity by NHPC in CVPPP Limited has been furnished to Union Ministry of Power on 17-7-2012. Ministry of Power vide letter dated 23-08-2012 has requested NHPC to submit material for investment and approval of Pakal Dul.
NHPC vide letter dated 31-08-2012 submitted the draft to Union Ministry of Power. As directed by the ministry, cost estimate of Pakal Dul Project has been updated to June 2011 PL and submitted to CEA for vetting of the same. CEA vide letter dated 24-7-2012 has furnished the further observation, the replies of which have been furnished to CEA by NHPC vide letter dated 09-08-2012 and 14-08-2012
The transfer of documents and assets from NHPC to CVPP is under process. Deputation of man power has started. Cumulative financial progress is Rs. 158.60 crore. 7 years are required for completion of the project from the date of approval.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
