J-K seeks Rs 5,851 crore for power sector

Omar had made a powerpoint presentation about the turnaround project before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when the latter visited the Valley in June.

Equating the importance of power generation with efficient energy distribution and transmission system,he said his government was giving due attention to establishing a dependable and modern electricity distribution network.

“A chain of grid stations,receiving stations and sub-stations are already under various stages of completion in the state,” he said.

The Chief Minister said 12 major power projects,besides many smaller ones have been initiated to generate about 5,000 MW in the state in over next six years.

“Our efforts are vigorously on to give new dimension to the power generation and its proper distribution,” he said,adding that 30 towns including Jammu and Srinagar have been brought under the restructured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (APDRP).

The new version of the APDRP is estimated to cost Rs 144.11 crore,he added. Omar said there was need to improve and upgrade power transmission and distribution system and initiate reforms at various levels to cut down on transmission losses and also to keep the system pilferage-free.

Underlining that power development was nerve-line in the growth of economy and all round development of the state,he said the government was making every effort to harness the hydro energy potential to its optimum.

Omar said in the rural and far flung areas,smaller power projects have also been initiated with the help of Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy headed by Farooq Abdullah.

“The Ministry has extended full support to the state in harnessing non-conventional energy and launching small hydroelectric projects,” he said.