Power generation resumes in Nathpa

Shimla, July 11 (UNI) Power generation resumed in the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri hydel project in this district of Himachal Pradesh late last night after remaining suspended for over three days, easing the power crisis in the neighbouring states, an official spokesman today said.

''Five units of 250 MW each resumed functioning late last night, while another unit of 250 MW is likely to restart by this evening following a drop in the silt level to 1,400 parts per million (ppm) from yesterday's high of 5,000 to 6,000 ppm,'' he told UNI here.

He said power generation in the five units resumed last about midnight, while efforts were on to synchronise the sixth unit, which was likely to start operations by the evening.

The water level in Satluj river was 1000 to 1080 cumecs today against a normal discharge of 500 to 600 cumecs, he said, adding that this was not likely to affect power generation by the plant.

The Nathpa Jhakri hydel power project was closed on Saturday after the silt level crossed the 11,000 ppm mark against the maximum permissible limit of 4,000 ppm.

The financial loss to the Centre and the state, which has 25 per cent stake, was over Rs 25 crore at the rate of Rs 9 crore per day due to non-generation of power during the period.

UNI AS HS DKS ND1650