Govt encouraging pvt participation for development of power projects: MD JKSPDC

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 15: With a view to encourage active participation of local entrepreneurs in development of hydro electric projects for making the State self-reliant in power sector, a meeting between entrepreneurs and Jammu and Kashmir  State Power Development Corporation held here today.
The meeting chaired by Managing Director JKSPDC discussed various issues related to taking up of mini hydroelectric projects through State entrepreneurs.
The meeting among others was attended by President Chamber of Commerce Jammu Y. V. Sharma, President FCIJ, Anil Suri, representative of Self Help Group of engineers and office bearers of the apex bodies and senior officers of JKSPDC.
During the meeting, the Managing Director JKSPDC briefed the participants about the massive capacity addition programme which is underway in the State. He informed the meeting that the concerted efforts of the Corporation headed by the Chief Minister is to add about 8000 MW of hydro power in the State in the 12th-13th plan including projects being taken up in private sector in the IPP mode.
He informed the participants that while work on 450 MW BHEP-II is in progress, two projects namely 9 MW Dah have been allotted and decks have already been cleared for allotment of 37.5 MW Parnai. He further informed that 5 projects have been awarded to various IPPs under the Hydel Policy 2011 which include 40 MW Ans-I, 45 MW Bichlari, 27MW Kanzil Wangath, 12 MW Girjan Gi Gali and 7 MW Chandanwari which were bid out in October 2011. It was also informed that the Corporation as part of R&D activities has awarded 5 MW Technology Demonstration Geothermal Project in Pugah Leh.
Meanwhile, the participants were pleased on learning that JKSPDC is floating its IPO in near future to raise substantial equity for implementation of power projects the process for which has been initiated. The MD reiterated the commitment of the Government to encourage greater participation of local entrepreneurs in this sector and asked them to come forward for bidding process already underway for about 13 projects and take advantage of the incentives available to them under the policy.
The representatives of the commerce and industry requested for relaxation of eligibility criteria to enable more people to get qualified for participating in the bidding process.
The Managing Director assured them that their valuable suggestion would be considered.
Meanwhile, on the request of the participants, the last date for submission of bid for the 13 IPP projects already advertised by the Corporation has been extended from November 17 to November 30, 2012.