Larji hydel project gets its first run

Engineers of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) have successfully carried out the first trial run of the controversial 126 Mw Larji hydel project in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.

"These trial runs began on Wednesday and will go for the next fortnight. During which synchronisation with switch yard and other components will be undertaken," said Arun Sharma, chief engineer of the project.

"The HPSEB's transmission division has also completed work on installing transmission lines and work on the towerline is underway," he said, adding, "134 Kv double circuit towerline connection work from the project to 220/132 Kv sub-station at Kangoo in Bilaspur district was ready and would be activated this week," he said.

Villagers in the area have been asked to stay away from the live conductor during these trials. The Larji project is built on the Beas river. The HPSEB has been criticised by many for building the project as such a high cost.

At Rs 10 crore per Mw, the project is considered to have cost more than twice the normal price of building per Mw in the hill state. The state electricity regulatory commission is already looking into this, say sources.