Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on 2-day visit to J&K to review hydroelectric projects

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal arrived in Jammu on Sunday to review the NHPC hydroelectric projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister was accompanied by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Ministry of Power, Government of India.

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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.

“Today, Manohar Lal visited NHPC’s Salal Power Project, where he was apprised of the ongoing works,” the Power Ministry said on Sunday.

The minister directed NHPC to expedite the sediment removal operations of the Salal reservoir. It is pertinent to mention that 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 maximising optimal utilisation 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 departments concerned to ensure coordinated efforts for the 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.