The Hindu Business Line : CCEA okays scheme to strengthen northern power grid

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved an investment of Rs 721.25 crore for the `Northern region system strengthening scheme-V' project. The commissioning schedule of the project is around 36 months from the date of investment.

The present grid strengthening scheme in the northern region has been evolved to strengthen the transmission system and wheeling power from the north-eastern region to beneficiary States in the northern region, a Government release said.

NHPC projects

The CCEA also approved the setting up of National Hydro-electric Power Corporation's 45-MW Nimoo Bazgo and 44-MW Chutak hydel projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The Nimoo Bazgo project would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 611.01 crore by reallocating grant earmarked for the 220 kV Srinagar-Leh transmission line to this project, it said. This project is expected to reduce the power shortage in the Ladakh region. Ladakh region is not connected with the northern grid and the entire power generated from the project would be absorbed in the region, the release said.

The Chutak hydro-electric project would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 621.26 crore. The project is scheduled for commissioning within a period of 54 months from the date of sanction. The project would enable the Government to reduce the power shortage in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir, the release said.