UNION POWER MINISTER REVIEWS SALAL, SAWALKOT AND RATLE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS

Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs reviewed the NHPC hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory of J&K.
He was accompanied by accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power) Ministry of Power, Government of India, arrived in Jammu.
Bhupendra Gupta, CMD, NHPC briefed the Minister on the progress of various NHPC Hydroelectric projects located in Jammu and Kashmir.
The two-day visit includes inspections of projects located in Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. Manohar Lal visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project, where he was apprised of the ongoing works.
He directed NHPC to expedite the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir.
Pertinently, the Salal Power Station, located on the Chenab River in Reasi district, is undertaking sediment removal works following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), aimed at removing accumulated silt and maximizing optimal utilization of water resources.
During the visit to the Salal Power Station, the Minister also undertook a plantation drive within the power station premises, underscoring the Government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
He also held discussions with the local administration and senior officials of various concerned departments to ensure coordinated efforts for timely execution of works.
Enroute to Kishtwar, Manohar Lal conducted an aerial inspection of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project (1856 MW).
Upon arrival in Kishtwar, he visited the Ratle Hydroelectric Project, where he laid the foundation stone for the dam concreting works and encouraged the project team to complete the works in an effective and time-bound manner.DD