lakhwar Multi Purpose Project (MPP) is all set to get Investment clearance from the Union Planning Commission. State Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar has now called on Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Ashok lawasa in New Delhi on Friday. During the meeting, MoEF secretary said, the clearance given by the Ministry is valid and as per norms. lakhwar MPP does not come under apex court’s decision of imposing of a ban over hydro projects on August 13, 2013, as it was only for 24 hydropower projects over Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
In a letter written to the UPC, MoEF clarified that like Vyasi hydropower project, lakhwar was also given clearance for forest and environment. The letter was submitted to Secretary of Planning Commission Sindhushri Khullar urging to expedite investment clearance, so that construction can be started. Khullar added that investment clearance would be ensured soon as possible.
It may be recalled that lakhwar MPP got all clearances but was left in lurch owing to non-existence of Planning Commission. 300 MW capacity lakhwar MPP, at the cost of 3,966.51 crore, will generate 612.93 million units electricity. It will irrigate 3,3780 hectare land and 78 MCM water for drinking and industrial use to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.