J&K to fetch Rs 913 cr as water usage charges: Taj

Jammu, Feb 3 (PTI) Taking implementation of WaterResources Act (WRA) a step further, Jammu and Kashmirgovernment has issued bills for water usage to power projectsin operation in the state and this is set to fetch rupees913 crores.

Releasing the first bills under the Act at a pressconference here this afternoon, Minister for Public HealthEngineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control TajMohi-ud-Din said revenues under the Act are expected to crossRs 900 crore.

He said WRA-2010 was enforced on November 11, 2010, andon November 12 all power projects generating electricity inthe state were given notices to register themselves with theState Water Regulatory Authority (SWRA) within six month.

Releasing a copy of the bills, the Minister said thewater usage charges for Salal project have been calculated atRs 10 crore, for Uri project at Rs 6.43 crore and for DulHasti Rs 8.74 crore and in case of proposed Uri-II Rs 150crore.

He said NHPC alone accounts for Rs 37.33 crores in thefirst quarter billing. He said the billing has been made onthe current discharge in the rivers of the state, which isexpected to rise with the onset of spring.

He said currently the discharge in Jehlum is 1000 cusecswhile during summer it peaks to 8000 cusecs.