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Ramesh inspects work of power projects

Staff Correspondent

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh

DEHRA DUN: The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power, Jairam Ramesh has urged the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation ( THDC) to double its operational portfolio in the next five years.

Expressing satisfaction after reviewing the works at Tehri and Koteshwar power projects over the weekend, Mr Ramesh said that THDC with its expertise and good record should now venture out to other States like Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Bhutan and even Nepal for joint collaborations or even as a project establishing agency so as to develop into one of the best players in the field.

The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, B.C. Khanduri had been asked to look into possibilities of a joint venture between the THDC and the State for hydel projects like the 860 MW Utyasu project on the Alaknanda near Rudraprayag, Mr Ramesh said adding that he was looking forward to a positive response from the Chief Minister.

Change of mindset

Mr Ramesh called for a change in the mindset of central agencies to allow a bigger share in the power generated from projects to the host States as power had become a key driver in the economic and social development of the States.

Engineering college

With the skill up-gradation of the local people in mind, the THDC will soon set up an engineering college at Tehri. The college will start enrolling students from September 2009.

To the protests by G.D. Agrawal against power projects on the Bhagirathi between Gangotri and Dharasu near Uttarkashi, Mr Ramesh said that power was essential for the nation but environmental balance could be maintained by tapping a little less than the estimated potential of any river.

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