The West Bengal Government is planning to set up a hydro-power project in Bhutan and has approached the Centre to obtain the necessary clearances.
If cleared, this will be the State’s first foray overseas. The State-run discom, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL), will be the implementing agency.
According to Manish Gupta, State Power Minister, the Government plans to set up a 550-MW hydel power station on the Amochu river in Bhutan. This apart, a survey is likely to be carried out along the West Bengal-Bhutan border for setting up similar hydro-power projects.
“We have already approached the Centre last year to obtain the necessary clearances. They are yet to respond,” Gupta said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a workshop — Focus on hydro-power development in present perspective — organised by WBSEDCL.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Gupta said, is already carrying out similar projects in Nepal and Bhutan.
NHPC, officials said, has already completed and handed over a 60-MW project in Bhutan and another 14.1-MW project in Nepal.