Power corpn to execute projects in other states
Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 18
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) would execute hydel, thermal and wind energy projects not only in Himachal, but also in other states and abroad.

This was stated by Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal on the occasion of the second Raising Day celebrations of the HPPCL here today. “We had envisioned to create a separate body to exclusively execute thermal and wind energy projects besides hydel power projects, so that maximum energy could be generated from different sources,” he said.

He said the HPPCL had been allotted a number of power projects, including Sawra Kuddu, Integrated Kashang, Sainj, Shongtong Karchham, Lord Parshuram Sagar, Chirgaon Majhgaon and Tidong II projects. “Himachal is the first state in the country that has succeeded in obtaining a loan of Rs 4,000 crore out of which Rs 3,600 crore would be in the form of a grant from the Centre. The remaining Rs 400 crore would be a repayable loan amount,” he said.

Dhumal said the government would adopt the best relief and rehabilitation policy for those affected by any power project. He said a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh per bigha had been fixed for irrigated land, Rs 1.5 lakh for un-irrigated cultivable land and Rs 50,000 for barren land. He said a sum of around Rs 250 crore would be spent on the relief and rehabilitation of the affected 450 families.

He said environment protection was the top priority of the government and a sum of Rs 492.68 crore would be spent by the HPPCL for such activities in the upcoming Lord Parshuram Sagar Project, also called the Renuka Dam. “A bird sanctuary, like the one at the Pong Dam, would be set up at Renuka. The Lion safari in the Renuka wildlife sanctuary would also be protected and developed as per international standards,” he said.

Dhumal said the affected villages would get 100 units of free power for the next 10 years besides employment in project activities.

Tarun Kapoor, HPPCL managing director, welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed activities of the organisation.