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J&K seeks coal block to meet energy needs
KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 2/20/2013 11:26:53 PM
JAMMU, Feb 21: Jammu and Kashmir is seeking allocation of coal block from Union Ministry of Coal under government dispensation route for setting up of a pit-head thermal power plant of 1000 MW capacity to meet the energy needs of the state.
State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has initiated action on this initiative on the directions of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
In this connection, Omar on Wednesday received detailed brief on the proposed project at the 68th meeting of Board of Directors of JKSPDC he chaired here.
Managing Director, JKSPDC, Basharat Ahmad Dhar informed that with the approval of the Chief Minister the Corporation sought allocation of coal block out of the eight suitable blocks notified by Union Ministry of Coal in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand. He said eight papers were submitted by the JKSPDC for allocation of coal block.
This path breaking initiative would help to augment power supply by 1000 MWs and meet the generation needs especially during the winter when the generation of hydro electric projects recedes and demand increases.
Underlining the necessity of a coal-run thermal power plant to generate 1000 MW electricity round the year, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir would get greatly benefited by such a type of power project and help mitigate the difficulties on power supply count in the peak demand periods.
Omar said that power sector was the focused area and multi-pronged strategy was put in place by his government to increase the power generation manifolds and help flourishing of wide-ranging economic activities in the state besides meeting the domestic power needs.
The Chief Minister said that his government was determined to transform Jammu and Kashmir from power deficit state to energy sufficient one and relieve the people from the constant burden of load shedding and power cuts. He said availability of sufficient power was also necessary for the growth of industry and trade activities.
“We are trying to avail all possible means to address energy problem and make necessary dent in this sector,” he said adding that upgradation of power supply and distribution system was also receiving due attention.
Omar asked the JKSPDC to fast track the completion of projects under its implementation in the state. He also directed for ensuring time line completion of works under execution in joint venture and other modes.
The Board approved the proposal of placing the recommendation of JKSPDC before the cabinet for award of EPC contract for construction of 48 MW Lower Kalnai and 21 MW Patnazi Bunjwah HEP through IPP route to successful bidders.
With these two projects, the number of projects approved for award during the current financial year would increase to 13 with a capacity of 712 MWs.
The Board also approved the road map for capacity addition of about 9036 MWs in the state during the 12th and 13th Five Year Plan periods comprising 7357 MWs in state sector including JV and IPP mode projects.
As many as 10 projects with an aggregate capacity of 3824 MWs would be constructed by JKSPDC.
The meeting discussed matters relating to the funding of power projects, construction of external access road to Sawalakot, financial closure of 9 MW Dah and 9 MW Hanu HEPs, setting up of 5 MW TDP-cum-Resource Assessment Geo-thermal project at Pugah Leh, status of implementation of projects, setting up of football academy, action taken on decisions taken in previous meetings and issues pertaining to administration and management of the Corporation.
The Board also reviewed the status of implementation of Baglihar HEP-II, Parnai, Lower Kalnai, New Ganderbal, Sawalakote, Karthai-I and II HEPs. It also discussed matters of pension policy, regularization policy and compassionate appointment policy for the Corporation employees.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Mohammed Iqbal Khanday, Economic Advisor Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister B B Vyas, Principal Secretary Power Development Department, A K Mehta, Managing Director, JKSPDC, Basharat Ahmad Dhar, Executive Director, Zahoor Ahmad Chat, Secretary JKSPDC, Sunil Gupta besides other senior officers.