Union Minister Manohar Lal reviews urban development schemes and power sector scenario for Uttarakhand

Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, was present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the State Government, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India (GoI), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI and THDCIL.

The progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in the state was reviewed in the meeting. Additionally, issues related to Hydro sector projects, Power Sector reforms, measures taken for facilitating Ease of Living through electricity and additional allocation of power from the central share to meet the growing demand were discussed. The state government also raised its concerns and suggestions on the issues presented.

In his address, Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs mentioned that his visit to the state will be important in understanding the issues and in fostering strong Centre-State relations.

He emphasized the initiatives taken under Ease of Living (EoL) so as to improve consumer experience in respect of electricity services. He highlighted the role RDSS would play in bringing improvement in the electricity distribution sector and in ensuring remote area electrification, particularly for PVTG households.

Union Power Minister appreciated the efforts made by the state in electrifying the PVTG households, as part of PM-JANMAN, in a short span of time.

He advised that the state should expeditiously implement the works sanctioned under RDSS, should strive to reduce AT&C losses to less than 10 per cent and to eliminate the gap between the average cost of supply and the average revenue realized so as to minimize the financial burden on the DISCOM and, thus, the state.

Union Minister further mentioned that 1,000 MW of PSP project in Tehri is likely to be commissioned by December 2024, of which 250 MW capacity is likely to be commissioned by August 2024. In addition, Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW) by THDC, Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW) by NTPC and Lakhwar MPP (300 MW) by UJVNL are under construction.

He mentioned the initiatives taken by the Central Government in order to make HEP/ PSPs viable, like bringing in the provision for Hydro-power Purchase Obligation (HPO), taking measure for Tariff Rationalization, Waiver of ISTS charges, etc. The government of India is also providing funds for supporting the cost of Enabling Infrastructure and Flood Moderation Component. He also mentioned that the State, in which project gets established, also gets benefitted in the form of Free Power @ 12 % and 1 % LADF in addition to other benefits.

Union Minister also mentioned that the State of Uttarakhand has very good policies for promoting hydro-power sector, however, the State may like to review the policy regarding the imposition of water-cess on the hydro-power projects.

The Minister assured for continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the state.

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand welcomed the Union Minister for his visit to the State of Uttarakhand to review the issues of urban development and the power sector. He also requested to provide financial assistance to hilly states like Uttarakhand for hydro-power projects.

He also provided an overview of the State's power scenario and mentioned that the state government is committed to providing 24 x 7 uninterrupted power supply to the electricity consumers. He assured of taking necessary measures for expeditious implementation of Distribution Infrastructure and Smart metering works sanctioned under RDSS for Uttarakhand.

He informed that the state government will take measures to help DISCOM overcome AT&C losses. He thanked the Ministry of Power, GoI for enhancing the allocation of power to the State from the central pool, however, he requested for extension of time period for the same and to further raise the quantum of additional power allocation.

The Government of India has set an ambitious target of installing 500 GW of power from non-fossil fuel sources, such as solar, wind etc., by 2030 in which Hydro-electric projects including Pump Storage Projects (PSP) play a vital role.

India has hydro power potential of ~133 GW, of which ~42 GW (32%) has been developed so far. The potential of PSP is also ~133 GW, of which only 4.75 GW (3.6%) has been developed so far. Similarly, Uttarakhand has a potential of 14.5 GW, of which 4 GW has been developed and 5.6 GW is under development. (ANI)