Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 3: Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Sunday signed Memorandum of Understanding with NHPC to make the region power surplus.
MoUs signed for implementation of 850 MW Ratle HEP and 930 MW Kirthai-II HEP; execution of Sawalkot HEP (1856 MW), Uri-I (Stage-II) (240 MW) and Dulhasti (Stage-II) (258 MW).
The MoUs were signed between PDD, NHPC and JKPDC in presence of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union MoS for Power, New & Renewable Energy Raj K Singh and Union MoS, PMO Dr Jitendra Singh.
Various projects of PDD aimed at augmenting the power supply in J&K were also inaugurated.
Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said, "the MoUs signed today to attract investments worth Rs 35,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir power sector and would ensure 24-hour power supply to the public”.
He said that in national average, electricity in rural areas is 20 hours and in urban areas is 22-23 hours.
"Clean, affordable and reliable energy is the key for industries, businesses and society to grow. Our vision is to effectively harness hydro energy resources of J&K with a goal to double the energy generation by 2024," said the LG.
Mr Sinha said that in the last 70 years, J&K was able to generate only 3504 MW but in the next 4 years, we will generate 3498MW additional electricity to ensure energy security of the region.
He however, also revealed that in next 40 years, the projects initiated by the NHPC, as per the provision in the MoU, will automatically be owned by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
He said, "the 19 distribution and transmission projects inaugurated today would enhance the ease of living here, in addition to playing a significant role in industrialization and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir."
The LG said that J&K is taking a quantum leap from power deficit to power surplus in next four years. For uninterrupted power supply, this is the most significant move by the J&K government.
"J&K too will reach the milestone if the pace of development is kept same; will provide every support to J&K; Locals to be trained and given employment in NHPC Ventures," Mr R K Singh said in his address.
"The Mega Hydro Power projects will not only generate employment but would increase the per capita income of J&K," he added. |
