Himachal Pradesh Government has sought the funding of Rs.1600 crore from Asian development bank for harnessing additional 745 MW hydro electricity potential during the 11th five years plan said State Power Minister Mrs. Vidya Stokes while speaking in the group of Ministers meeting on power sector in at New Delhi today.
Mrs. Stokes said that State has decided to seek funding for Shongtong Karcham (402 MW), Kashang (243 MW) and Sainj (100 MW) hydro electric projects and State Government has clarified the security angle and sent DPRs of these projects to Central Electricity Authority. She also requested the Ministry of Power to recommend these projects to Department of Economic Affairs for foreign fundings so as to complete all the procedural formalities well in time.
She said that State Government has formulated 12 schemes under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna amounting to Rs. 450 crore under which 44,496 houses including 12483 BPL houses would be covered. She said that centre has sanctioned only one scheme for Chamba Districts amounting to Rs.25 crore. She requested the centre to sanction schemes for remaining 11 districts at the earliest so that the work on these schemes could be started in the state simultaneously. She said that state has brought down the transmission and distribution losses to 15.94 % during 2006-2007 from 26.61% during 2001-2002. She told that state has utilized the entire amount of Rs. 322.78 crore under APDRP scheme and requested the central Government to provide additional Rs. 73.60 crore for seven circles in the scheme.
Mrs. Stokes demanded Rs.500 crore central funds for evacuation of power from small hydro electric projects (up to 25 MW) and added that small hydro electric projects of aggregate capacity of 750 MW were under execution by private sector in the State . She told that under the agreements, the private sector would inject power at the nearest 22 or 33 KV sub stations and State Government would transmit the power beyond the sub stations. She further said that all such projects are being executed in the remote ,rural and tribal areas where transmission arrangements are required to be strengthened immediately and requested the central Government to provide Rs. 500 crore special assistance to strengthen the transmission system in the State.
She told that State has 21000 M W hydro electric potential, out of which 6370 MW potential has been harnessed so far . She told that State has harnessed 2241 MW potential during 10th five year plan and added that 5744 MW capacity will be generated in the state during 11th plan period in the State.
