Bids have been invited for the development of small hydro electricity projects with the participation of the private sector in Uttarakhand.
This was stated in the meeting of Uttarakhand Infrastructure Projects Company (UIPC) limited, presided over by the chief secretary Shatrughna Singh at the secretariat on Tuesday.
Officials informed in the meeting that the 11.10 MW capacity Seragad project, 19.80 MW Balgad project and the one MW capacity Birthi project were to be developed.
They further informed that the selection of private partner for the Balgad project has been completed. The Birthi project is to be developed by the Panchayats according to the State Government's micro mini hydro electricity policy 2015. Hence, this project has been handed over to the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA). The officials further informed that re-tendering process will be conducted for the Seragad project. Regarding the projects related to tourism, the officials informed that the tender process had been completed for the planned Hemkund ropeway. The task of constructing this ropeway will be started in the near future, they said. This ropeway will be constructed from Ghangharia to Hemkund. Survey has been done for the Govindghat ropeway with work underway on preparation of detailed project report on this ropeway project. Regarding the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway, the officials informed that the tender is ready for first stage of the ropeway from Purkul village to Hathipaon (six kilometers). For this purpose two hectare and five hectare land will be utilised in Purkul village and Hathipaon respectively. This land belongs to the tourism department. Additionally, huts, George Everest Museum, parking and other tourism related facilities will also be developed here, averred the officials.