JAMMU, Feb 17 (Agencies): The Jammu and Kashmir government today recommended taking over of Salal, Uri and Dulhasti hydro electric power projects from Centre-owned NHPC after the state cabinet approved report in this regard.
The state cabinet which met here on February 15 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accepted the report of Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) formulated with regard to hydel projects of Jammu and Kashmir. The Cabinet directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to take necessary action for implementation of the sub-committee report in consultation with the law department in a time-bound manner. The sub-committee headed by Finance
Minister Abdul Rahim Rather has recommended taking over of various identified power projects including Salal, Uri and Dulhasti. For this purpose, the PDD will work out prior project value of such projects which will become basis for their take over after the value is negotiated. The CSC had also recommended effective monitoring of all the agreements and terms and conditions which have been made with NHPC, keeping in view the benefits and rights of the state.
The Development Commissioner, Power Department, shall be submitting monthly reports to the government with regard to fulfillment of such terms and conditions.
In case any condition is not fulfilled by NHPC, it will point out of the same and submit the report on such specific deviations.
The sub-committee had pointed out that in 2000 there has been an MOU between the state government and the Centre with regard to seven hydel projects including Kishen Ganga, Uri-II, Badsar, Sewa-II, Pakul Dul, Neemo-Bazgo and Chutak.
As per the agreement, all these seven projects are required to be handed over back to the state government after their final execution by NHPC. The sub-committee has suggested that the same formula be made applicable to all projects including Salal, Uri, Dulhasti and other such projects where no prior agreements are existing with regard to such projects. It said steps can be taken for implementation of such terms and conditions of MOU of the year 2000 for such projects as well.