Power remains suspended at Nathpa hydel project

Shimla, July 10 (UNI) Power generation in the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri power project remained suspended for the third day today as the silt level in Sutlej River remained high due to widespread rains in the catchment area.

The silt level in the reservoir was 5,000 ppm to 6,0000 as against a permissible level of 4,000 ppm and the water discharge in the river was about 1200 cumecs against a normal discharge of 500 to 600 cumecs.

The power generation would start as soon as the silt level decreases below 4,000 ppm, the sources said, adding it would not take any risk as it might cause damage to turbines.

The Nathpa Jhakri Electrical Director had visited the plant to assess the situation and the possibilities of resuming power generation.

Sources said the non-generation of power from the 1500 Naptha power project has further deepened the power crises in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajsthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Besides, power generation in the 300 MW Baspa power project was also suspended for a few hours before starting late in the day, the sources added.

A revived monsoon brought heavy rains in several parts of the state during the last 24 hrs, but no loss of live and property was reported from anywhere in the state, met and official sources said.

The met office said all the mid and lower hills of the state had received heavy to moderate rainfall during the last 24 hrs, intensifying the wet conditions in the state.

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