Chief Minister Harish Rawat while addressing a workshop at Institute of Engineers in Uttarakhand State Center said that micro, mini and small hydro electric projects policy would play great roles in boosting rural economy by making it self-reliant. The State Government has established policy structure by involving the Panchayats to ensure full-fledged community participation. He asserted that the policy is a unique initiative of the Government to empower the Gram Panchayats economically. Ninety percent subsidy is being granted under this policy, he said, adding that the Gram Panchayats would have to select a partner for commercial, technical assistance and for capital investment.
“UREDA, UJVNl, KMVN and GMVN can become partners in these HEPs. HEPs up to 2 MW have been completely reserved for Gram Panchayats. Gram Panchayats will be preferred for developing the HEPs of 2-5 MW. Director, UREDA has been instructed to prepare a working plan concerned with Solar Energy Production with partnership of Gram Panchayats in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts,” CM said. He further stated that initiatives should be taken by Gram Panchayats to promote the farming of fruits, walnut, medicinal herbs and water conservation through the “Chal-Khal” on the basis of community participation. “State government will fully co-operate,” he said.
Secretary Energy Dr Umakant Pawar, informed that Micro HEPs will be allotted under the Micro, Mini and Small Hydro Electric Projects Policy in Baram, Birahi and Jimmigad of Pithoragarh district and in Purkul and Nada of Dehradun district till the end of May, 2015. Gram Panchayats will be allotted 36 projects till the end of this financial year, he added. Jal Vidhut Nigam and UREDA will impart training for skill -development at the block level. “Micro hydro projects up to 2 MW have been reserved for local Gram Panchayats. Projects of 2-5 MW have been reserved for Panchayati Raj Institutions, community- based institutions, industrial institutions and joint public sector undertakings,” he said. Prior to this, Chief Minister inaugurated the Soil and Concrete Testing laboratory at Institute of Engineers in Uttarakhand State Center.