Power self-sufficiency key to economic development: J-K governor

Srinagar, Sept 13 : The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday called for self-reliance in power generation by optimum development of the hydel potential of the State as it would lead to overall economic development.

At 51st board meeting of the State Power Development Corporation in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N N Vohra, said, "Mini and micro hydel projects hold the key for meeting power requirements, particularly in remote areas."

During the meeting, working of the Power Development Corporation was reviewed and the board members discussed various issues regarding power generation, transmission and maintenance according to reports.

Vohra asked engineers and policy planners of the power sector to focus on completing the ongoing schemes in a stipulated time-frame and take up laying of transmission lines along with construction of power houses.

The status of 105 MW Upper Sindh Hydel Project-II and 23 MW Chenani-1 being constructed at a cost of Rs 26 crore was also discussed by the board.

Over Rs 12 crore was spent on these projects till March.

The proposal for taking up Pakul Dul and other hydel projects with a total installed capacity of 2,100 MW on Chanab basin through a joint venture with NHPC and PDC also came up for discussions.

The status of Baglihar Hydro Electric Project and the access road to Sawalkote Project were also discussed. The ongoing power projects in the Ladakh region also came up for review.

The board also reviewed progress on the rural electrification schemes taken up in Anantnag and Kupwara districts under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidutikaran Yojana.

ANI