NHPC has requested power ministry for its intervention in ensuring security for development of 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project. In a status update to the ministry, NHPC mentioned that civil works are progressing in full swing in all fronts and River Kishanganga was successfully diverted in June 2012. Excavation of Head Race Tunnel is in progress by drill blast method and tunnel boring machine.
However, work on the project has been affected by the intermittent stoppage of work by locals demanding permanent employment in NHPC. NHPC informed that work remained stopped in dam and HRT area from August 29, 2012 to October 16, 2012 on this account. The work could only be started after intervention from the State government.
Further, work has also been hampered due to bandhs and curfew in the project area. NHPC stated that the project work is being affected intermittently due to local disturbance. Work in power house area including excavation of HRT was affected in February this year due to disturbance in Kashmir Valley and imposition of Bandh and Curfew in Bandipora area. Work was again suspended in March 2013 due to curfew and Bandh calls by various organizations in Kashmir Valley.
NHPC informed the ministry that these disturbances are affecting the overall progress of the project. NHPC has requested the ministry’s intervention in improving law and order in the project area to ensure timely commissioning of the project, currently expected by end-2016.
Kishanganga project is a run-of-the river scheme on River Kishanganga in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir. The project envisages construction of three units of 110 m each and expects to generate 1350 million units of energy in a 90 per cent dependable year. Total project cost has been estimated at Rs. 3642.04 crore at September 2007 price level.
