Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna performed bhumi pujan for the proposed 120-MW Vyasi hydropower project’s substation and switchyard. On this occasion, the Chief Minister asserted that more such projects will be rolled out. The projects that have received clearance and are not subject to any objection will be completed speedily, he added.
He shared that the lakhwad hydro project (300 MW) will be rolled out soon while a high-level meeting with the HP Government is also being scheduled to discuss about the Kisau project ahead. Bahuguna said that despite having seemingly endless possibilities of power generation within Uttarakhand, the State is still purchasing electricity from other States.
He added that the State Government is trying its level best to ensure that disputed power projects are redesigned to meet environment regulations so that work on these can be resumed. He said that process of planning and implementing small hydro-electric projects will be undertaken with complete transparency, from which Uttarakhand is expected to get additional 400 MW electricity.
CM said that such projects will ensure development of the area where they are located and will also generate employment for the region’s youth. He also discussed the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2013 for hydel projects and said that the terms of the policy have been developed around the welfare of the affected people.
Addressing the gathering, State Agriculture Minister Dr Harak Singh Rawat said that the present State Government is working to make Uttarakhand an electricity hub. He said that to meet this goal, it is crucial that the projects are completed on time so that the benefit can reach the masses quickly. State Food and Civil supply Minister Pritam Singh delivered the vote of thanks and said that the CM has taken important decisions that will accelerate the development of the region. He said that this region will be known for its hydel projects in the near future. MlA Navprabhat said that owing to the efforts of the CM, the much awaited Vyasi hydropower project has resumed again.
Chief Secretary and Chairman, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam limited (UJVNl), Subhash Kumar gave detailed information about the Vyasi project and shared that the project is stipulated to be completed within three years. Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma, DM Dr BVRC Purushottam, UJVNl Managing Director JP Patel and others were also present.