In a major boost to the power sector, Uttarakhand is all set to get $128 million (Rs 819 crore) as loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Uttarakhand Power Sector Investment Programme shortly. The decks were cleared as the Centre gave the approval in principle on Friday.
While confirming this, the Principal Secretary, Power, Dr Umakant Panwer, said that Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has expressed thanks to the Centre on the matter while hoping that the loan would prove a milestone for the State’s development.
He further said that the projects would be sent to the ADB following the Centre’s approval.
Panwar had made a presentation before the Economic Work Department under the Union Finance Ministry in Delhi. Notably, during the Chief Minister’s review meeting, the CM had asked the power department officials to expedite the pending projects while communicating with the Centre.
He had assured that fund crunch would not be an issue because he had personally communicated with the Union Power Minister.
Acting on that order, Panwar had made the presentation before the Union Government following which they had agreed in principle.
Commenting on it, TS Rawat said that the approval would prove a milestone for the State while asking the power department officials to complete the pending projects at the earliest.
Panwar had mentioned during his presentation that the power units are generating power despite the tough geographical condition of the State. He had laid thrust on building new transmission lines, new sub- stations and up-gradation of the existing transmission lines and the substations as well.
Besides, he had asked the Centre to sanction loan for the laying of 400 KV double circuit Srinagar-Kashipur transmission line and 400 KVV line in Kashipur. He had also referred to the severe damage the disaster 2013 had done to Kaliganga first and second power plants and Madmaheshwar power plant while appealing for loan being granted for the repairing works.