145 small hydel projects identified

They said the government had identified as many as 145 small hydel projects which have been allocated to Himurja 8212; a state government undertaking.

Himurja has already entered into agreements with private companies for execution of at least 90 such small projects. After the completion of all the projects, Himachal would be a leading power generation state in the country, sources added.

Giving details of various hydel projects, the sources said that the 1,500-Megawatt Nathpa Jhakhri project would be completed by 2001. Work on the Larji project would be accelerated and construction work of the 12-Megawatt Kholi hydel project in Kangra district was being allotted to the State Electricity Board.

Construction work for the 144-Megawatt Sabra-Kuddu hydel project at Shimla district would be undertaken by the private sector. For the Dharmaur hydel project, various electricity and financial corporations would be involved. The Malana project in Kullu would be completed within four years, the foundation stone of which has already been laid by the Chief Minister.