The Hindu : Other States / Himachal Pradesh News : PM likely to lay foundation stone for Rampur hydel project

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Monday, Apr 18, 2005

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Other States - Himachal Pradesh

PM likely to lay foundation stone for Rampur hydel project

Staff Correspondent

Virbhadra Singh lays stone for the Rs. 1.5-crore motorable bridge at Jhakri on the Satluj river connecting the Pandrah-Beesh area of Shimla and Kullu districts

SHIMLA: The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, is likely to perform the foundation stone- laying ceremony of the 434-MW Rampur hydel power project in May this year. This was disclosed by Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, on the occasion of the foundation stone- laying ceremony of the Rs. 1.5-crore motorable bridge at Jhakri on the Satluj river connecting the Pandrah-Beesh area of Shimla and Kullu districts on Sunday. The bridge is being constructed by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam.

The Chief Minister said that besides Rampur Hydel Project two other projects, 465 MW Luhri and 450 MW Khab, have also been entrusted to the Public Sector Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. He said that the Nigam had been directed to construct these projects expeditiously and ensure that the projects start power generation in next 3 to 4 years. He said that the Government had safeguarded the interests of the State and the people of the area while assigning these projects to the Nigam. He said that besides 30 per cent equity participation it had been ensured that at least 70 per cent of the employment should be provided to the local people. Mr. Virbhadra Singh also informed that the State Government had sent a high level delegation along with senior Government of India Officers to China to take stock of the situation of the Parechu river, which had posed a threat of flooding in the Satluj river last year. He said that the Chinese Government had assured the delegation that there was no immediate threat of flood in the Satluj river and assured further regular monitoring of it would be done and report sent to the State Government. He, however, said that the State Government at its own level was also maintaining a strict vigil on it.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the contributions made by Y.N. Appa Rao, who is to retire as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam soon. He said Mr. Appa Rao played a significant role in the timely completion of the prestigious 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Project.

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PM likely to lay foundation stone for Rampur hydel project