First unit of Larji hydel project to be ready next week

Mandi, Aug 25 (UNI) The first unit of the ambitious 126 MW Larji hydel underground project being executed in this district would be commissioned by August 30.

The Chief Engineer General, S S Thakur told UNI yesterday that the project, which has three units of 42 MW each, was virtually complete and two of its other units of 42 MW each would also be commissioned in the first week of September and October-end this year. The project on completion would provide much-needed relief to the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana now reeling under acute power shortage, he added.

The unique feature of Larji Project, located on national highway-21 in Mandi district barely 20 km from Bhuntar airport, is that it is being executed entirely underground in the bosom of high mountains.

The three km-long largest national highway traffic tunnel in the country constructed during the execution of the project is proving an added attraction for tourists visiting Kullu-Manali and Lahaul Spiti valleys of the state.

A 26.50 metre high concrete diversion barrage, 600 metre downstream of the confluence of the Tirthan and the Sainj tributaries of Beas, has been constructed. A concrete lined tunnel of 8.5 meter-diameter open the surge shaft to three pressure shafts to feed the three turbines. The underground power house has been constructed 200 meters downstream of the confluence of Duada Nullah and Beas where three generators of 42 MW each have been installed.

A 72.5 meter spillway is controlled by five radial gates of 11 X 12 meter size capable of discharging 8100 cusecs of flood water with an intake provision of 312.5 cusecs. Four underground chambers have been designed for desilting on its right bank.

The power generated at Larji would be evacuated through a double circuit 132 KV transmission line and would be fed to the national and regional grids located at Hamirpur (115 km ) and Gagal (65) respectively. The national and the regional grid points are also located at Hamirpur and Gaggal.

The project would yield an annual income of Rs 125 crore to Himachal Pradesh.

A Rs 15 crore Catchement Area Treatment plan (CAT) had been approved by the HPSEB to provide green cover in a vast area of 4921 km in Mandi and Kullu districts over a period of ten years. Of this, the most vulnerable 700 Sq Km stretch, is being conserved on a war footing.

Various activities envisaged under the CAT include afforestation, pasture development, improvement of soil moisture regime, and awareness campaigns for preserving the forest wealth among the people.

UNI XC JN DKS KN1554