In a bid to lead by example to inspire confidence, Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar, who had allotted responsibilities of the districts among the principal secretaries and the secretaries making them in-charge and accountable for the districts, himself visited the lakhwad and Vyasi hydro power project sites. The 120 MW Vyshi hydro power project and 300 MW lakhwad Project are being executed at the expense of Rs 936 crore and the work will get expedited after rainy season is over. During interaction with the officials, Kumar instructed them to inspect the sites every month to take stock of the things regarding execution.
During the visit, CS found that in Vyasi hydro power projects, 90 per cent of the upgradation works have been completed and the tunnels have been dug out up to seven meters. 300 MW lakhwad multipurpose project has received all kinds of clearances save the investment clearance. This is so because the Centre has dissolved the Planning Commission.
A few months ago, the chief secretary had met the Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth and the latter had assured that the project would be given all the required clearances shortly. During the meeting, the Union Government had asked the State to submit all the prior communiqué between State and them. The project was pending before the environment and forest ministry.
During the meeting, Seth was understood to have instructed Kumar to send a copy of the environment and forest clearance before the Planning Commission and the cabinet secretariat as well. Now, with the Planning Commission's existence remaining under cloud the investment clearance for this project may get delayed.
For this project, the Union Government would contribute 90 per cent i.e. Rs 2,578 crore out of total cost Rs 3966.51 crore and the remaining 10 per cent would be borne by the state. With the completion of the project, six states -- Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana -- would be benefitted.
Five States, excluding Uttarakhand, would receive drinking water as well. In this project, Uttarkahand would get 615 million units of electricity. Tentatively, the generation would begin by 2020.Earlier, sanction was received to transfer lease of 768.1552 hectares forest land for UJVNl. A Government order has been released in this regard by Forest and Environment Ministry on January 31, 2014. This project worth Rs 3966.51 crore will generate 612.93 million units of electricity, 33780 hectare areas' irrigation facility and 78.83 MCM drinking water.
The first stage of sanction was received from forest advisory committee in November 2013. After complying with the norms of the first stage, the Uttarakhand Government had placed a demand for the final clearance.