Shinde releases Nathpa Jhakri project book'

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) Aimed at serving as guidelines for future hydro electric projects, the documents of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakari Hydro Electric Project was today released by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) and Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP).

Releasing the special issue, Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde commended the success of Chinese technologies in hydro Electric project but said the Indians were not far behind.

He said the Indian Hydro Electric sector had already made a mark with the commissioning of Teri Hydro Electric and 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroeletric Project by SJVNL.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh suggested that SJVNL should set up an archive for the benefit of future hydro electric projects in the country.

Suggesting that the company should work for the listing of its shares on the stock exchanges either by way of Initial Public Offer (IPO) or by way of disinvstment, he said this would lead to the management becoming more accountable.

''The Nathpa Jhakri project is the largest hydro electric project in the country. It has a 10.15 metre diameter, 27.4 m Head Race Tunnel and the largest underground desiting complex of its kind in the world,'' SJVNL CMD H K Sharma said.

Its 301 metre deep surge shaft is the world's deepest and most voluminious surge shaft.

Mr Sharma said despite facing silt problem, the generation at Nathpa Jhakri plant has increased considerably over the years.

During FY08, the project has generated 6,462 million units and achieved a gross sale of Rs 1,504.88 crore and earned a net profit of Rs 732 crore.

With good success on the first project, SJVNL has taken up construction of 412 MW Ramput project, which is targeted for completion in 2012. The 775 MW Luhri HEP project report has been prepared and submitted to the CEA, he added.

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