Lanco to set up 76 Mw project

Lanco Hydro Energy Pvt Ltd is setting up a 76-Mw hydel project at Rudraprayag district on the banks of the river Mandakini with an investment of Rs 484 crore.

The detailed project report (DPR) on the dam, which is being constructed at Phata-Byung area of the district, had already been submitted to the government, company officials said. The project, which is a run-of-the-river, is likely to be completed by 2011.

However, the project officials said they were awaiting the environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

"We have held a public hearing in this regard on October 10," said the official.

For the construction of the project, a 9.4-km tunnel is also being built as its power house will be underground.

The company officials also claimed that there will no displacement due to the construction of the project in the area. The projects were allotted through competitive-bidding and the project development agreements had been signed with the Uttarakhand government.

Survey and investigation activities have been initiated for the projects. The project capacities are likely to be enhanced to 125 Mw.

In addition to these projects, Lanco is also setting up hydel projects in Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh.