UP to get RIL power by 2006

‘‘We will meet again after 24 to 36 months. Then you will see the power plant generating 1,200 mw,’’ said RIL Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Anil Ambani, after the bhoomipujan ceremony.

It will take another 12 to 18 months to complete the Rs 10,000-crore ($2.2-billion) project. The ritualistic bhoomipujan and earth-breaking ceremony was performed on Sunday. Among those present on the occasion were UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, Union Power Minister Anant G. Geete, MoS for Power Jayawanti Mehta, Chairman of UP Development Council Amar Singh, Power Secretary R.V. Shahi and host of other ministers and officials. Kokilabehen Ambani and Tina Ambani were also present for the occasion. The foundation stone of the plant was unveiled by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The company has already paid Rs 100 crore to the UP government for 2,500 acres of land on which the project will be set up. Obtaining environmental clearance will take six to eight months, said Anil Ambani. Both Yadav and Singh have already met Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee to canvass for early environmental clearance to RIL’s power project.

The project, which will benefit 117 million people of UP, will draw water from main Ganga canal, which is 2.5 km from the site.

Asked on the cost of power for consumers, Ambani said: ‘‘We will sell power to UP at Rs 2 per unit. The rate at which power will reach consumers will depend upon the Uttar Pradesh government.’’