Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Sept 7: Extending all possible help to flood ravaged Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Minister for Power and Coal, Piyush Goyal today said that special teams are being rushed to the State for restoration of damaged power lines at war footing level.
“All the damaged power lines will be restored as early as possible and for the purpose, special teams are being deputed without any restriction and invitation,” he said while talking to media persons today during a pan-India press briefing through video-conferencing.
The Union Minister informed that a few teams have been dispatched to the State while more are being rushed for the restoration work, which will be started as soon the water level recedes.
Expressing his grief and anguish over the deaths and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir due to incessant rains and flash floods, the Union Minister said that the Disaster Management Meetings on Saturday and Sunday discussed the prevailing situation and the best possible measures for the restoration work.
Mr Goyal also disclosed that the Centre was going to provide Rs 25000 crores for implementing 1000-MW Pakkal-Dul Hydro-electric scheme by funding the project on low interest rate.
“Further, during my recent meeting with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Srinagar, I asked the State Government to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) of hydel generating capacity of J&K as early as possible so that action may be taken for more power generation in the State,” he informed.
Stating that Srinagar-Leh Transmission Line via Kargil, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, would be linking all areas in the region improving the transmission and distribution, Piyush Goyal said the Centre was contemplating to install solar plants in Leh for more power generation.
Replying to a quarry on the fate of 208 MW Shahpur-Kandi Project worth Rs 2200 crores on Ravi river, Piyush Goyal said that the Centre was ready for mediation to settle the dispute between J&K and Punjab if both the neighbouring States agree for the same.
Presenting his Ministry’s report card of 100 days, the Union Power Minister claimed that the BJP -led National Democratic Alliance regime was committed to bring about transformative changes in the energy sector for ensuring affordable 24×7 supply for all, including industrial and commercial establishments.
“The regime is working on a 10-point agenda including decisive leadership, root-cause analysis, time-bound action and proper planning. The threshold has been crossed towards round-the-clock power supply and many more measures are to be taken in the near future,” he said.
Alleging that the Government inherited a host of problems in the energy sector, the Minister said that the achievements in this short span are remarkable as coal-based electricity generation from June to August increased by a record 21 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.
A new policy for coal linkages was adopted and automatic transfer of linkages is being allowed from old and inefficient plants to ultra-modern super-critical plants in order to maximize generation from the same quantity of coal. Coal-linkage “rationalization” is also underway and aims to link power plants to the nearest mines. This initiative alone could save hundreds of crores, he added.
Mr Goyal further said that environmental problems are being looked into by his Ministry and he ensured speedy clearances while taking steps to protect the environment. “A special thrust is being laid on new and renewable energy and in this connection renewed thrust is being provided to wind power capacity addition by reinstating accelerated depreciation benefit to wind power developers,” he said.
Besides, Mr Goyal added, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and the Integrated Power Development Scheme were introduced with an investment of Rs 43,000 cr and Rs 32,600 cr respectively.
The Union Minister admitted that seven States are confronting power crises but continuous dialogues are underway with State Governments to iron out issues.
Replying to another quarry, Mr Goyal informed that the agreement to operationalise civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia is likely to be ready in the next 3-4 months
The agreement, which will allow Australia to supply uranium to India, was signed between the two countries on Friday last.
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