North India witnessing major power boom: Dr Jitendra

North India witnessing major power boom: Dr Jitendra

BANI, FEBRUARY 24 :  North India is witnessing a major power boom under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science ; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today. 

Dr Jitendra Singh today visited Seva II hydropower project near here which is  located on Himachal-J&K border. The 120 MW power project caters to J&K and all the neighbouring North Indian States. The Union Minister reviewed the status of hydropower projects with NHPC, Director (Finance) R.P Goyal and other officials. 

The Minister was given a detailed presentation on the progress of various hydroelectric power and development projects in the area. Dr Jitendra said that for the first, natural resources like hydropower of Jammu and Kashmir are being exploited under the Modi government so that surplus power from this region can be supplied to other parts of North India.

Dr Jitendra Singh also discussed upcoming CSR activities for neighbouring Bani and Basohli of Kathua district.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar is all set to emerge North India’s major "power hub" generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects.

In Kishtwar itself, Dr Jitendra Singh said that 6 to 7 major Hydro power projects have come in the region in a short span of 9 to 10 years ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister.

Elaborating on this, he pointed out that the largest capacity project is Pakal Dul with a capacity of 1000 MW.  Its estimated cost, as of now, is Rs.8,112.12 crore and expected timeline of competition is 2025.  Another major project is Kiru Hydroelectric project with a capacity of 624 MW.  The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 4,285.59 crore and the timeline in this case is also 2025, he said. 

The Minister further informed that at the same time, 850 MW Ratle project has been revived as a joint venture between the centre and UT of J&K.  In addition, the existing Dulhasti powerstation has an installed capacity of 390 MW, while Dulhasti II Hydroelectric project will have a capacity of 260 MW. 

Dr Jitendra Singh said these projects shall not only augment the power supply position thereby making up for the shortage of power supply in the UT of J&K , but the huge investment being made for construction of these projects  is also a boost for for local people.