Nathp jhakri power project remained shut

Shimla, Aug 10 (UNI) The 1500 MW Nathpa-Jhakri Hydro Power Project in Kinnaur and Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh remained shut for the 18th day today as the silt level of Sutlej at Nathpa Jhakri remained much above the permissible level even as the tribal areas had respite from rains.

The silt level of Sutlej was 9000 Part Per Million (PPM) at Nathpa against maximum permissible limit of 4000 PPM while the discharge of water was 1166 cumecs. The Silt level of Sutlej and Spiti at Khab was 9000 PPM and 6000 PPM while the discharge of water was 287 and 281 cumecs respectively.

The increase in silt level inspite of lesser rains was causing concern to project authorities as eighteen day generation loss had already occured and uncertainity over resumption of power at country's largest hydro power projects continued.

There was sufficient water to operate all the six units of 250 MW each but the increase in level of silt in Sutlej, Spiti and their tributaries had halted the generation as it could cause damage to the turbines and other heavy machinery.

The project had already incurred a loss of about Rs 90 crore due to shutdown since July 24 last besides affecting power supply to neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile parts of Shimla, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts had moderate rains during past 24 hours while the lower hills of the state had no rains, Palampur and Dharamshala in Kangran district recorded 36.4 mm and 28.4 mm of rains while Karsong and Pandoh in Mandi district and Dhundi and Solang Nallah in Kullu district had 30.0 mm, 13 mm and 29.2 mm rains, local meteorological office said.

The day's minimum temperatures remained steady in the region but Patsio in Lahaul valley recorded five degrees more than yesterday, mainly due to overcast sky.

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