The decision came following a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister B C Khanduri, a top state government official said. The move follows lingering controversy over the indefinite fast of Dr G D Agrawal, a top environmentalist since June 13, which had put considerable pressure on the BJP government with the Sangh Parivar outfits also lending their full support. But the decision regarding the construction of 600 MW Lohari Nagpala has been put into the centre's court since it is being constructed by NTPC. |
Both the projects "" Pala Maneri and Bhairon Ghati -- have been allotted to the state-owned the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL), which recently commissioned the 304 MW Maneri Bhali-II. An investment of nearly Rs 5200 crore was proposed in these two projects.
When contacted, a UJVNL official described the move as a big setback to the company saying it would seriously jeopardize the government's initiative to become self-reliant in power.
Agrawal (76) began his fast unto death on Friday at Manikarnika Ghat area in Uttarakashi town, to protest against the construction of a series of hydel projects as part of his save Bhagirath campaign.
The major dams, which are built on Bhagirathi include Pala Maneri (480 Mw), Lohari Nagpala (600 Mw), Bhairon Ghati (381 Mw) and Jad Ganga (200 Mw).
Regarding the Jad Ganga project, the official said the construction work has not yet started.
