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| India-Pakistan |
| Hydro Project gets nod despite Pak objections |
| 2008-12-27 |
| New Delhi, Dec. 26: Ignoring Pakistan's objections to the Kishan Ganga hydro power project, the government on Friday cleared the proposal for building plant with a capacity of 330 MW in Jammu and Kashmir at an upwardly revised cost of Rs 3,642 crore. "Pakistan had raised some questions about the project, but we are sure it fully complies with the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 between the two countries," the home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, said while announcing the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The Minister said, "The project cost had been revised from Rs 2,238 crore to Rs 3,642 crore because of the change in scope of the project, ecology, law and order and inaccessibility of the dam area during winters." He also said that the lowest bidder had quoted a very high price which was reduced by 110 per cent and the task of completing the project in time has been entrusted with state-run power utility National Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC). Describing the project of being "strategic importance" to India, the minister said, "It will help the country use its share of water from the treaty. It will create irrigation potential in Baramulla." The project was conceived in 1994. Meanwhile, keeping in mind the country's energy requirement for next 25 years with intent to sustain a robust average growth rate of nine perc ent, the Union cabinet in its meeting here approved the "Integrated Energy Policy". The policy aims at optimal exploitation of domestic resources and exploring and acquiring assets abroad to attain energy security for the country, Mr Chidambram said. The broad vision of the policy, drafted by the Planning Commission, is to reliably meet the demand for energy services in all parts of the country with safe, clean and convenient energy at the least cost. Mr Chidambaram said, "It has also been decided to set up a monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary to review the progress of implementation of the policy." |
| Posted by:john frum |