CM opens 100-MW Sainj project

Our Correspondent

KULLU, SEPtember 12

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh dedicated 100-MW Sainj Hydro-electric Power Project of HP Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) at Sainj in Banjar subdivision of this district today. He was accompanied by Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania.

He said this was the first project under the HPPCL which would supply 400 KV power to the Powergrid network and having 400 KV gas insulated switch gear. He added that the generated power would feed the northern region grid through ‘Loop in Loop out’ arrangements with Parbati-II and Parbati-III projects. He further added that apart from this, it was one of the projects registered as ‘Green Power Project’ under clean development mechanism. He said the project would earn a revenue of Rs 80 crore to Rs 100 crore per annum.

The Chief Minister expressed pleasure on the steps taken for the rehabilitation of project-affected families by the HPPCL. He said the families would be provided 100 units free electricity per month as per the policy.

Pathania said under relief and rehabilitation, 216 land owners were paid compensation of Rs 1,66,44,198.

Devesh Kumar, Managing Director, HPPCL, said the foundation stone of the Sainj project was laid in November 2009 and under the skill upgrade scheme, 71 wards of were sponsored in various ITIs of Himachal Pradesh incurring an expenditure of Rs 28,24,162. Former MP Pratibha Singh was also present.