Rattle power project gets environmental clearance

CERA approves Rs 5517 cr estimated cost
Jammu, Dec 27: Finally the prestigious Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project has been accorded environmental clearance by the Union Ministry of Environment with revised capacity of 850 Megawatts. Besides, the Central Electricity Regulatory Authority has accorded the Techno Economic Appraisal approving Rs 5517.02 crore as estimated cost of the project.

Sources said that the Union Ministry of Environment has intimated the Power Development Corporation (PDC) about the environment clearance through a formal communication.
The project is to be constructed over river Chenab at Drabshala in Kishtwar district on BOOT basis.
“The PDC received the formal communication about the environment clearance on December 12, 2012, while the Central Electricity Regulatory Authority (CERA) has accorded the Techno Economic Appraisal on December 19, 2012, approving the estimated cost of the project at Rs. 5517.02 crore ,” Managing Director PDC , Basharat Ahmed Dar informed Greater Kashmir.
He said after getting the environment clearance and Techno Economic Appraisal all the formalities for construction of the project have been completed.
“The clearance from Indus Water Commission, Forest Department, Defence and Tribal ministries was accorded earlier, while the construction work is already in progress on the project” he said.
Giving further details, he said that after land acquisition the construction of the first bridge over river Chenab was completed, while the work on the second bridge that will connect several villages is apace. Similarly the work on the housing colony for the workers is also in full swing, he informed adding, “The foundation stone of the power project will be laid in coming days” Dar said.
Pertinently, GVK Power Infrastructure Limited has bagged the competitive bid to construct 690 MW project in 2010 for a period of 35 years, after which it will be transferred to the state on payment of Rs 380 crore.
The project is targeted to commence operation in 2017, while the Company would supply 16 per cent power of the total capacity to Jammu and Kashmir free of charge. Earlier the capacity of the project was pegged at 690 MW but after revision it has been enhanced to 850 MW.