A recent government study has proposed exclusion of
about 2,900 MW of hydel projects in Uttarakhand as they may impact the ecology
of the state, sources said. This would translate into over Rs 17,000 crore
investments which has been affected, they added.
Many private power generation companies have
proposed to set up hydro power projects in the hill state and some have even
started works at the sites. On average, a company incurs expenditure of Rs 6
crore per megawatt while executing a hydro power project.
It is widely believed that development in
Uttarakhand, especially in its mountainous regions is very restricted and two
sectors -- tourism and hydropower -- have the potential to improve the state's
economic status.
State-run hydro electric power producer NHPC is
also developing various projects in the northern state, which accumulate over
2,400 MW of capacity. However, only two projects -- Kotlibhel 1A (195 MW) and
Kotlibhel II (530 MW) – comprise the 2,900 MW capacity which is facing wrath
from the environmentalists.
Many private power generation companies including
Lanco, GMR Energy, GVK and JP Power are setting up projects in Uttarakhand. Lanco
is developing two projects in Uttarakhand - Phata and Rambara and both are of
76 MW each on the Mandakini river.
However, according to sources, Phata project has
already got the environment clearance and the project is in the construction
phase.
For Rambara project a detailed technical report is
being prepared by a multi-national company. Based on the report, the company
will apply for the clearances.
Meanwhile, thermal power generation utility NTPC
had invested close to Rs 500 crore in the Loharinag Pala project in the state.
It was scrapped in 2010 due to opposition by environmentalists.
The work on the company's another project Tapovan
Vishnugad (520 MW) has also stalled after the government report that may
adversely impact the environment.
Source: FE
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