Hydel projects assigned to NHDC

Bhopal, Mar 28: Three proposed hydel projects of Narmada Valley would be assigned to the NHDC, a joint undertaking of Madhya Pradesh government and National Hydro Power Development Corporation. These include 20 mw Raghavpur project, 25 mw Rosara project and 20 mw Basania project. In-principal sanction for this was given at a high level meeting of the Narmada Valley Development Authority today.

It may be mentioned here that the Power Trading Company has already accorded sanction for purchase of power to be produced through these projects. The Minister for Narmada Valley Development and chairman of NVDA Nagendra Singh presided over the 148th meeting of the Authority. He said that cent percent exploitation of the existing hydel power generation capacity of Narmada Valley on top priority is need of the hour. He said that the hydel power projects of Narmada Valley would play the most important role in getting the better of present power shortage and meeting the future requirements.

The meeting endorsed a proposal for appointment of a quality monitor for independent enquiry of the rehabilitation works related to Narmada Valley projects. The monitor would also enquire into the cases and complaints pertaining to land acquisition and rehabilitation. Services of retired revenue officials would be taken for these works.

The meeting was informed about administrative sanction of Rs 300.68 lakh for survey of Upper Budhner project in Dindori district, Rs 408.45 lakh for Ataria project in Jabalpur district, Rs 706.15 lakh for Shershakkar Macharwa project in Narsinghpur district and Rs 302.23 lakh for survey of Dudhi project in Hoshangabad district. The meeting gave in-principal consent to a proposal for giving employment related relief to the boatmen affected by Omkareshwar dam. Vice chairman of the NVDA Pradeep Bhargawa and other officers concerned attended the meeting.