Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today informed the Legislative Assembly that several flagship schemes have been launched for augmentation and strengthening of generation, transmission and distribution network to achieve self-sufficiency and provide 24×7 supply to the consumers.
Winding up the discussion on the Demands for Grants of the Power sector in the Legislative Assembly, Dr Singh welcomed the suggestions put forth by the legislators regarding the functioning of the Departments under his charge.
Dr Singh said he and his team of officers would take a cue from the valuable suggestions of the legislators and redouble their efforts to improve the functioning of the Power and Housing & Urban Development sectors.
Referring to the power sector, the Deputy Chief Minister said that several hydroelectric projects have been undertaken in the state under close monitoring mechanism for ensuring that these are completed within the stipulated timeline. “Two projects of 9MW capacity each in Dah and Hanu in district Leh have been completed and the commissioning of these projects shall be done during the current year while the tendering process of 12 MW Karnah HEP has also been initiated”, he said adding that 3 new projects in joint venture with NHPC and Power Trading Corporation are at an advanced stage of tendering.
Giving further details, he said that 300 MW Kishenganga HEP, executed by NHPC is likely to be commissioned this year and it will go a long way in augmenting the power generation capacity.
The Deputy CM also referred to restructuring of JKSPDC, one of the major executing agencies associated with the tapping of hydro-electric potential of the state. He said as part of financial engineering of the corporation, the PDD will pay Rs 2400 crore to it and at the time, SPDC will return Rs 4300 crore which it has taken as loan from the State Government over a period of time.
He further informed that once these two transactions are done, Rs 1900 crore, the gap between the two transactions shall be infused as equity into the company. Further, fresh valuation of assets is expected to add additional Rs 1000 crore to the equity base of SPDC he added.
“In one go, SPDC will become a debt- free company with an equity base of around Rs 3000 crore and post these changes, the company shall go for Initial Public Offering (IPO)”, he said.
“The Government is also finalizing the modalities of opening a Letter of Credit with J&K Bank, for timely payment of the power purchase bills.. This will ensure power security and annual savings of about Rs 150 crore on account of interest,” he added.
Dr Singh said that GoI has sanctioned Rs 1189.59 crore under PMDP for strengthening transmission system at 220kV and 132kV level. “Tenders for all schemes in both Jammu and Kashmir provinces stand issued. Out of 32 projects 8 stand allotted,” he added.
He said to remove existing constraints at transmission level, the department is striving to complete the critical Grid Stations and Transmission lines well before December, 2018 which include Grid Station, Alusteng, Budgam, Delina, Gladni, 220 KV, Srinagar -Leh, transmission line and 400 KV D/C transmission line NRSS-XXIX from Jalandar-Samba to Amargarh.
About augmentation of distribution network, Dr Singh informed that GoI has approved an amount of Rs 616.59 crore under DDUGJY for strengthening the distribution system in rural areas of 21 districts of the state.
“The Project Management Agencies and Project Implementation Agencies for all districts stand appointed. 13 districts have been assigned to JKPDD and remaining 8 to PGCIL he said adding that the tenders for other 8 districts shall be awarded within a week’s time which include 3 districts of Jammu (Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur), 3 of Kashmir (Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian) and 2 of Ladakh (Leh and Kargil).
The Deputy Chief Minister said that electrification of 102 un-electrified villages of the state is included in the DDUGJY and RGGVY-II schemes, of which 78 un-electrified villages are included in DDUGJY and remaining 24 are included in RGGVY-II.
He added that electrification of 22 villages has been achieved till January, 2018 and 26 villages shall be electrified by April, 2018. Remaining 54 villages shall be electrified through off grid mode by June, 2018, he added.
For expediting registration of connections of the un-electrified households, Mobile App namely “Gram Jyoti Doot” has been developed and 250 connections have been registered through this App, he informed.
He further informed that for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks in 86 towns of the state, GoI has sanctioned Rs 444.50 crore under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). The Dy CM added that the Project Management Agencies (PMA) and Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) have been appointed and tendering is under process.
Under PMDP, GoI has sanctioned Rs 2570.14 crore for strengthening of distribution system in rural and urban areas of the state and special focus is being laid on capital cities, industrial towns, Advance Technology interventions, creation of Smart Grids and underground cabling of pilgrimage and tourist destinations, he said.
“The scheme also includes replacement of sub-standard conductors and worn out poles and the government has released an amount of Rs 87 crore @ Rs 1.00 crore for each constituency under PMDP” he informed.
Informing the House about the present Power Scenario, he said that 3101 MW un-restricted peak load is being recorded against which 2280 MW is being met. “The peak met during 2014-15 was 2043 MW, which means increase of 11.6 %.
Dr Nirmal Singh said that Government has framed a comprehensive policy for effective implementation of flagship housing, sanitation and civic programmes to make Jammu and Kashmir a model state of the country.
Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants of the Housing and Urban Development Departments (HUDD) in the Legislative Assembly, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed massive surge in the urban population in recent past with twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar accounting for 60% of urban population.
“The Housing & Urban Development Department is fully geared to meet the challenge. Revised Master Plan of Srinagar – 2035 has been placed on the public domain and is likely to be notified shortly, while as Revised Master Plan 2032 of Jammu City, Udhampur and Katra towns have been approved and an exercise for preparation of Zonal plans is also being undertaken simultaneously by hiring professionals”, he said.
He further informed that Master Plans for 24 towns of the State are also at different stages of preparation/notification.
The Deputy Chief Minister, while referring to Union Government’s Smart City Mission, said that proposals for both the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar have been approved by MoUD, GoI under the initiative.
He said that the proposal covering 159 projects through different modes of funding viz. Convergence, Grant/Equity and PPP involving over Rs 7453.00 crore (Rs 3815 crore for Srinagar Smart City and Rs 3638 crore for Jammu Smart City) are being taken up under the Mission to glorify the beauty and heritage character of the twin cities. He added that the projects envisaged area based and pan city solutions development with maximum thrust on upgrading living standards of the citizens and harnessing tourism potential.
“The project shall be completed within a period of 5 years and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for both Jammu and Srinagar Smart Cities have been registered under Companies Act 2013 as “Jammu Smart City Limited” and “Srinagar Smart City Limited” with Ministry of Corporate Affairs, GoI”, he said and added that the CEOs for both the SPVs have been engaged.
Dr Singh said that process of engagement of Key Managerial Functionaries and Project Management Consultancy (PMC) has been initiated. “Once PMC is engaged implementation will set into motion.1st instalment of Central Share amounting to Rs 195.00 crore for each Smart City is likely to be received from the GoI soon,” he informed.
Giving further details, Dr Singh said “To improve urban infrastructure, GoI has very kindly consented to our request and extended Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), in relaxation of the criteria of population of at least 1 lakh, to five cities of Jammu, Srinagar, Anantnag, Leh & Kargil.”
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that 58 projects have been approved under AMRUT in State Annual Action Plans (SAAP) at an allocation of Rs 593.05 crore on sharing pattern of 90:10 between Centre and State. “We have requested the GoI to take more towns under the Scheme,” he said.
With reference to the prestigious Tawi Riverfront Project, Dr Singh said that the DPR for 3.5 Km from Gujjar Nagar Bridge to 4th bridge at Bhagwati Nagar at a cost of Rs 396.5225 crore has been prepared and a pilot stretch of 1.5 Km from 4th bridge at Bhagwati Nagar to Bikram Chowk bridge is being taken up in 1st phase at a cost of Rs 140.89 crore.
Briefing about other components of the project, he said development of Jammu Habitat Centre, as an left bank extension of first phase of Tawi River Front Project, envisages to develop the Ware House, Jammu as a Commercial-cum-Cultural Complex by way of construction of Institutional Complexes, Commercial Complexes, Hotel sites, Multiplex, shopping Mall sites and Open Air Theatres.
“Hari Singh Park will be right bank extension of the first phase of Tawi River Front Project”, he added.
Government is also committed to restore the pristine glory of world famous Dal Lake and making all-out efforts in this regards.
Earlier, lambasting State Government for its total failure in fulfilling its promise regarding getting back the power projects from Central Government, NC MLA and former Minister, Ali Mohammed Sagar said that the Finance Minister, had said that if he failed to get the power projects back he would not contest the next Assembly elections.
Participating in the debate on grants of Power and Urban Development Ministries in the State Assembly today, he said that PMO has written a letter not to interfere in power projects and “I think that the Centre is not in a mood to return them to the State”.
He , while turning towards the Deputy Chief Minister, accused him of blaming opposition parties especially National Conference, militants and Pakistan for trouble. “You even said that the opposition was responsible for stone pelting and braid chopping”. This was totally wrong and for braid chopping you were responsible to hide your failures and you wanted to divert the attention of people from that, he added.
Sagar said you blamed NC for exploiting the situation which the party has never done. Without naming PDP, he said in comparison to that those sitting on Treasury benches exploited the situation when in opposition.
“You had promised 24×7 power supply but it did not happen”. If your Government could not fulfill the political agenda please ensure the better power supply at least”, he said.
Sagar asked Deputy CM that he should be open to criticism as this way he will come to know the shortcomings. He also alleged discrimination in sanctioning funds for municipal wards in Jammu and Srinagar. No AMRUT Scheme was completed. He alleged a junior Officer was made senior officer when there is a difference between him and Commissioner Secretary.
He alleged that works worth Rs 86 crore were allotted without tenders. Criticising PWD Minister Nayeem Akhtar, he said “Akhtar makes claims let him debate I will show him where is political corruption”.
He said 950 people were appointed in Srinagar and wanted to know who appointed them.
He said “in Kashmir there are grave problems regarding sanitation which are directly linked to your Ministry”. The sewerage and drainage system in Srinagar is defunct as in small rain entire city gets water locked.
He also wanted to know what is the State Government’s share in Smart City?
MLA Nagrota Devender Singh Rana accused PDP-BJP Government of wasting funds allocated for Smart City projects in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar and hinted a massive racket in formulation of Draft Project Reports in this regard.
“Who are preparing the DPRs under Smart City programme and what are their qualifications or standing”, Rana asked?
He said the Housing and Urban Development Department has become a hub of consultancies and there is something gravely wrong in preparation of DPRs. He also wanted to know as to which taxes are being levied to the residents of the twin capital cities under the pretext of the Smart City project, which has not taken on a right note.
Rana said the Housing & Urban Development Department has nothing to showcase except what it claims the Parking Slot and Hari Singh Park in Jammu. While opening of the park to public is belated, as it took the present dispensation three years to complete the project taken up several years ago, much has not been done in the urban development sector, especially in Jammu. He hoped that focused attention will be paid towards urban development by the present dispensation keeping in view lack of civic amenities to the people.
The MLA Nagrota also expressed concern over delay in preparation and finalization of Master Plans, saying these have fell prey to consultancies. These plans are needed to be accorded priority attention, he added.
Referring to the power sector, Rana wondered that the much trumpeted Deendayal Uphadhyay Scheme is a non-starter in Jammu and Kashmir. There has been nothing on ground except the talks about tendering and re-tendering. “This is an undesirable situation, which requires to be addressed on priority so that benefits of the scheme percolate down to the targeted segment of population, he said.
He said that power generation has received a major hit during the past three years. He, however, hoped that Chenab Basin will be optimally utilized for constructing a reservoir that will eventually help in generation of power. He said the Bursar Storage Reservoir could prove to be a potential asset for the State that should be considered.
Rana wanted to know whether the present dispensation had a proposal to transfer Rs 4,000 crore worth power projects under Prime Minister’s Development Package to CPSU. He said the Power Development Department is mired in the controversies of litigations rather than taking forward any projects to logical conclusion.
He also referred to a letter purportedly written to the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister by the State Finance Minister that portrays the Power Development Department in bad light. If true, he said this speaks volumes about lack of synergy between two limbs of the Government. He said governments in democratic polity have collective responsibility and if there is any trust deficit between two ministries that is going to impact the overall interests of the state.
PDP MLA Yawar Mir alleged that all promises and announcements made by the Government for improving power scenario in the State have so far remained on papers only while the Central schemes worth crores have yet to take off.
Seeking transparency in the system, the ruling party MLA accused the Power Development Department of targeting only middle class and commoners in affecting revenue collection while no recovery was being made from big houses and influentials.
The young Legislator was appreciated by the Deputy Speaker Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, who was in the Chair, for an impressive speech and highlighting valid issues concerning people in remote area, some of which are yet to be electrified.
Choudhary Sukhnandan of BJP alleged discrimination with the farmers, who were not being provided adequate power supply for ensuring irrigation to their fields. “It seems that the BJP has once again become the party of Kanak Mandi traders as issues of farmers are no more on agenda of this Government,” he said.
Launching a direct attack on the Power Minister, the BJP MLA said that Dr Nirmal Singh claims himself to be also a farmer but he doubts the later’s assertion because of his anti-farmer approach.
Former Power Minister and Congress MLA, Vikar Rasool alleged that funds worth crores of rupees under different schemes for power were lying unspent as the Government has failed to implement the projects on ground. “The way working is going on, round the clock power for all days will remain a dream,” he alleged and listed failures of the Government in implementing even its oft repeated announcements.
The Congress MLA also alleged discrimination in distribution of funds to the Municipal bodies by the Housing and Urban Development Department. His claim was supported by Independent MLA Pawan Gupta, Congress Mohd Amin Bhat and NC MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, who also alleged discrimination with the Municipal bodies of their area. Participating in the debate Mian Altaf urged the Government to make a comprehensive plan to ensure efficient utilization of State’s water resources for electricity production. He said that the State has ample resources for hydropower production and focus on this sector can not only resolve the power crisis but also generate opportunities for providing employment to State’s youth.
Nawang Rigzin Jora urged the Government to demand compensation for Indus Water Treaty from the Central Government. He demanded for proper implementation of various power development schemes in Leh district including R-APDRP, RGGVY-II and DDULJ. He urged for early completion of Srinagar-Leh transmission line and early commissioning of the Solar Power Project sanctioned under PMDP for Leh district, besides demanding new hydropower projects for Ladakh.
Satpaul Sharma urged for expediting the pace of work on left out works to prepare for upcoming summer. He also urged for liberal funding for maintenance works on drains and for maintaining sanitation besides asking for upgrading the drainage system in Jammu city to meet the growing demands of the city. He asked for constructing parking spaces in populated areas including Bakshi Nagar, High Court road Janipur and Talab Tillo.
Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen demanded early electrification of remaining areas of Khan Sahib Constituency besides setting up of receiving stations at Arizal Waterhail and Raithan under RGGVY schemes. He urged the Government to fill up field staff vacancies including linemen in Khan Sahib Constituency. He also urged the Government to expedite work on implementation of Centrally sponsored schemes so power infra can be upgraded in the State.
MY Tarigami alleged that around 266 cr projects under PMDP were awarded unofficially on very high rates on May 31 last year, without any Finance Department, State Distribution Reforms Committee (SRDC) and Cabinet approval.
He said till date the Cabinet approval is pending for Project Implementing Agency (PIA). It is being alleged that around 4000 cr projects under PMDP are awarded to few selective CPSUs on nomination basis without following set procedures in vogue and CVC guidelines and rules.
He urged the Government to construct mini hydropower projects as small scale industries in villages so that local power demand can be met. He demanded for construction of shopping complex at General Bus Stand Laroo, additional floor at town hall, Kulgam, construction of marriage hall, completion of works on community centre at Chawalgam, construction of public utility services besides urging the Government to take necessary measures to ensure availability of necessary machinery required at municipal committee Kulgam.
Shamim Firdous drew government’s attention towards deteriorating condition of Srinagar city especially the conditions of roads, sanitation, drainage etc. She demanded construction of a Housing Colony for Srinagar. She urged the government to take beautification efforts on the banks of River Jhelum.
Mohammad Khalil Bandh called for focused efforts towards effective and efficient utilization of State natural water resources to minimize power crisis in the State.
He also advocated for formulating of comprehensive plan for beautification of Pulwama Town and inclusion of Litter Pulwama town under Municipal limits.
Pawan Kumar Gupta demanded for initiating construction works on Grid Station Udhampur besides calling for expediting execution of works on projects under DDUGJY and PMDP, covering of all left out un-electrified hamlets in Udhampur Constituency and plugging distribution losses. He also asked the Government to stop un-necessary transfers & postings of officials as it hampers the pace of works.
Kamal Verma demanded construction of Receiving Station and installation of more transformers in Bishnah Constituency. He asked the Government to provide necessary equipments to linemen working in the PDD so that they can undertake timely maintenance works. He also urged for timely releasing of wages to the need based workers. He advocated for allocating sufficient funds for Bishnah area under power sector.
Bashir Ahmed Dar demanded for improvement in HT/LT transmission system. He stressed on inclusion of Kralpora and Trehgam villages of Kupwara district under municipal limits to ensure improvement in civic facilities of these areas.
Rajesh Gupta appreciated the government for bringing improvement in the power generation, power distribution and for reducing power distribution losses in the State.
Haji Abdul Rashid Dar demanded for expediting construction work on up-gradation of Watlab and Dooru receiving station from 6.3 to 12 MVA, construction of receiving station at Bomai and Sidiq Colony Sopore under DDUGJY and Tujar Sharief under State Sector.
Mohammad Yousuf Bhat said despite having healthy potential of power generation, the state is facing power crisis.
Mohammad Amin Bhat urged the government to establish additional transformer repair workshops especially in Kulgam district so that necessary fault repairs can be undertaken in short amount of time.
Abdul Rahim Rather urged the Government to provide regular power supply to the rural, far-off hamlets of Kokernag besides early establishment of Grid Station in two villages of Kokernag.
Rajeev Jasrotia urged the Government for immediate initiation of construction on various works approved as part of Smart City Project. He called for establishment of multi parking facilities in Kathua Constituency and advocated for stringent efforts to reduce decongestion in the State.
Deldan Namgyal urged the government to release funds to initiate works on approved projects for transmission line from Leh to Nobra and two sanctioned projects (25MW) each in Nobra constituency.
Abdul Majeed Padder said there are many un-electrified hamlets in his Constituency and urged the Government to take immediate measures to electrify these hamlets.
Mubarak Gul asked the Government to provide financial assistance to urban homeless families especially those in old city Srinagar, so that they can construct housing for themselves. He urged the Government to revive the beauty of Dal Lake and Wullar Lake besides rehabilitating Dal dwellers to make it encroachment free.
R S Pathania said the Government should be swift in implementation of ‘Power for All’ policy in the State. He urged for upgrading the transmission network in the state besides for setting up additional transformer workshops so that defunct transformers can be repaired at the earliest. He demanded for establishment of Solid Waste Management plant and a municipal committee in his constituency.
G M Saroori demanded early completion of Rattle Hydropower Project at Drabshaal, augmentation of existing power lines/infrastructure by releasing liberal funding in this regard in Chenab Valley. He suggested the Government to identify reasons for poor response to the tender notices by the department.
Shakti Raj Parihar demanded for expediting pace of construction work on various power projects viz, transmission line from Ramban to Khaleni in his Constituency including Pakal Dul. He demanded for providing adequate funds for execution of various ongoing developmental projects including strengthening of HT/LT under PDD sector in his Constituency.
Rajeev Sharma demanded for initiating works on various projects under RAPDRP, DDUGJY and various other schemes in his constituency besides early completion of other ongoing projects. He urged the government to distribute solar lights in un-electrified areas and demanded for up-gradation of transmission network in his constituency.
Javid Hassan Beigh said that good governance is only possible if Government is held accountable in the House. He stressed for adopting a good work culture in all sectors including PDD. He stressed for judicious use of electricity and also advocated for adopting latest techniques to improve the power infra in the State.
Daleep Singh Parihar urged the Government to take measures to vacate stay on various projects including that on construction of Grid Station in his constituency besides urging government for sanctioning additional Grid Station for the area.
Raja Manzoor, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Devinder Kumar Manyal, Asgar Ali Karbalie, Javed Rana, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Choudhary Qamar Hussain, Dinanath Bhagat, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Usman Abdul Majeed, Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Ravinder Raina, Shah Mohammad Tantray and Mohammad Akbar Lone.
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