Leh (Ladakh),October 13 (Scoop News) –J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said that his Government has drawn a road map for equitable and all round development of all areas and is moving ahead to deliver on this count by ensuring faster progress in sectors across the State.
Laying foundation of three power projects and inaugurating the fourth one in Leh and Kargil districts on Thursday, that self-reliance in power generation was imperative to ensure comprehensive development especially in the far-flung and remote areas.
The Chief Minister said that his Government has attached greater importance to produce indigenous power and affect positive reforms in its transmission and distribution. He said while mega projects are being launched in joint venture with NHPC and other consortiums, the medium, small and mini projects are being executed in the State by Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) on its own.
The Chief Minister laid foundation of 6 MW Dah hydro electric projects in Leh being executed at a cost of about Rs. 43.61 crores. He also laid the foundation of 5 MW Hanu hydro electric projects also in Leh to be executed at a cost of Rs. 41.67 crore.
In Kargil district Omar Abdullah inaugurated 1.26 MW Sanjak power project which has been completed at a cost of Rs. 22.86 crores and will electrify 11 villages of the area. He also laid foundation of 2 stages of Drass-Suru hydro electric project at Dandal. The first stage of the project involving Rs. 424 crores is estimated to generate 35 MWs of power while the second stage is of the capacity of 60 MWS and estimates to involve Rs. 720 crore.
The Chief Minister said that downstream Nemo-Bazgo hydro electric project, the JKSPDC has identified five projects with a potential of generating about 760-1000 MWs. He said two more projects at Parkachik and Kirkit with generation potential of 200 MWs have also been identified for execution besides power projects at Dumkhar, Rangdo, Tamasha (Zanskar) and Bairaas. He said the consultancy for geo-thermal project at Pugah is being roped in.
Omar Abdullah said that 5 micro power projects at Stakna, Igo-Mercellong, Hunder-Nobra, Bazgo, Sumoor-Nobra in Leh district and 4 projects namely Iqbal, Sanjak, Haftal (Zanskar), Marpochu (Drass) are operational in Kargil district.
On the development of remote and far-flung areas of the State, the Chief Minister said that special measures have been initiated in this regard. He said that the Government has focused attention to bring backward and far-flung areas at par with developed ones. “The establishment of Panchayat Raj in the State would give necessary fillip to this initiative and help in all round development of these areas”, he said adding that the Government has take all steps for the welfare of the people living in these areas.
Omar said construction of power stations and road communication links are significantly important to generate economic activities in these areas and provide employment opportunities to the locals in both public and private sectors.
The Chief Minister said that the construction of HT power transmission line from
On the potential of horticulture in these areas, the Chief Minister asked the people to take best advantage of the packages being offered by the Horticulture Department in hilly and backward areas for the cultivation of feasible varieties of fruit.
On reaching these remotest areas, the Chief Minister was given warm welcome by the locals raising slogans in his and in favour of his Government in their language and traditional manner.
Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for CAPD, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Chief Executive Councillors of LAHDC, Kargil and Leh, Kachu Ahmad Ali and Rigzin Spalbar were accompanying the Chief Minister.
Managing Director, JKSPDC, Shaleen Kabra presented details of these projects and said that the Power Corporation is working out a comprehensive strategy for launch of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) projects to harness the power potential of the State.
Leave Your Comments