Maneri Bhali-II power project begins operation

Uttarakhand can now hope to get rid of its acute power crisis, thanks to the 304-Mw Maneri Bhali Phase-II hydel project in Uttarkashi district.

After months of dithering, state-run Uttarkhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL), the implementing agency of Maneri Bhali-II, has finally managed to produce 56 Mw of power from the project, a move that has the potential to tide over the current power crisis being faced by the state.

Significantly, this is the first time that UJVNL has started producing power in the state since its inception in 2001.

UJVNL officials said due to less flow in the Bhagirathi river, they are operating only one turbine (76 Mw). "As the water level in the river increases, we will be able to generate more power," the officials said.

The run-of-the-river project was scheduled to be commissioned on November 9 last year coinciding with the Uttarakhand formation day. But due to some technical and rehabilitation problems, the commissioning date was postponed for an indefinite period.

Chief Minister BC Khanduri said the problems like rehabilitation related to the Maneri Bhali project would take priority over the commissioning. This is why the formal date of commissioning has yet not been announced.

The Maneri Bhali project, which was revived in 2002, was originally scheduled to be completed in three years' time. But it ran into various controversies like alleged financial irregularities and problems in rehabilitation.

Comprising four units of 76 Mw each, the project is having a 16-km long diversion tunnel for which a barrage has also been built. The civil work of the project has been carried out by the Uttarakhand irrigation department.

For the construction of the project, UJVNL took a loan of Rs 1,200 crore from the Power Finance Commission (PFC).

The project ran into fresh controversy lately when it was found that it would submerge vast areas of Joshiyara and Gyansu. The people in both the areas are now seeking compensation from the government.

The project had remained in controversies ever since the construction began in 1989. Within two years' time, the erstwhile Uttar Pradesh government suspended the construction work due to lack of funds. It was only in 2002 that the Uttarakhand government again revived the project through the PFC loan.

When contacted, officials said about 65 families are being affected by the dam at Joshiyara and Gyansu in Uttarkashi district. "It may take one year to complete the rehabilitation process," District Magistrate Meenakshi Sundram said.