October 11, 2008

PM dedicates Dulhasti hydel plant in J&K to nation

Dr Manmohan Singh has dedicated the 390-MW Dulhasti hydel power project in Jammu and Kashmir to the nation.

Dr Singh said there is an urgent need for tapping hydro power potential in the Himalayan region and that the development of hydro power projects in the Chenab basin should be taken up at faster pace. He said “Our several projects are not getting completed in time, which result in escalation of cost. If we continue with this, we cannot continue the economic progress.””

Built on the River Chenab in the newly created Kishtwar district, the foundation stone for the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s project was laid 25 years ago. When the foundation stone for the project was laid on April 19th 1983, its cost was estimated at INR 183 crore, but was finally completed last year at an investment of INR 5,228 crore.

The main components of the Dulhasti power station are a 65 metre high and 186 meter long concrete gravity dam across the River Chenab, a 10.5 kilometer long Head Race Tunnel, an underground Power House with three generating units of 130 MW each, and a 7.46-m diameter and 307 meter long Tail Race Tunnel. The first unit of 130 MW was successfully synchronized on February 28th 2007, followed by the second unit on March 18th 2007 and the third on March 26th 2007.