Lakhwar-Vyasi hydel project in U'khand runs into delays

Cost overrun and inordinate delays have plagued the construction of the 420-Mw Lakhwar-Vyasi multi-purpose hydel project on the river Yamuna near Dakpathar, 50 km from here.

In the 1970s, the dam’s cost was estimated to be around Rs 141 crore only. It has now increased to Rs 4,000 crore with the state government awarding the project to Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL) last year.

The real worry for UJVNL is the project’s liabilities as various works were carried out in the past by different players like NHPC and Jaypee Group.

According to the new annual report (2008-09) of the state irrigation department, an amount of Rs 247.64 crore has already been spent on the project that is still to see light of the day.

The construction of the project began in 1979 and came to a halt in 1997 mainly owing to inadequate funds.

NHPC has already sought a claim of Rs 75 crore from UJVNL for preparing the detailed project report (DPR) and other works of the project.

NHPC Executive Director Shart Sharma said he had already sent a letter to UJVNL seeking a claim of Rs 75 crore.

“We have done various works on Lakhwar-Vyasi. Now we want our claim back,” said Sharma.

The Uttarakhand government awarded the multi-purpose Lakhwar-Vyasi hydel project to UJVNL from NHPC last year soon after the two other key projects — 380-Mw Bhaironghati and 480-Mw Palamaneri over Bhagirathi river — were put on hold following protests by environmentalist G D Agrawal.

The state government’s contention is that the Lakhwar-Vyasi was allotted to UJVNL mainly because the state can retain all the power. The project is likely to produce 852 million units of power besides irrigating 40,000 hectares through east Yamuna canal.

Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi would be the beneficiary states that will get drinking and irrigation water from the project.

Besides, the project would help in generating 75 million units of extra power from downstream projects like Kulhal, Dhalipur and Dhakrani during the lean period by virtue of its vast reservoir.

When contacted, UJVNL Chairman Yogendra Prasad said the company was ready to pay back financial obligations provided the audited accounts were made available regarding various expenditures on the project.