Centre's green panel gives nod to Rs 4,641 cr J&K power project

Expert Appraisal Committee suggested the company should raise EMP budget to 3.5% from 3.2%

The Centre's green panel has given approval to the Rs 4,640.88-crore Kiru hydroelectric power project to be developed on Chenab river in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Last month in a meeting, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry had examined the proposal.

Based on its recommendations, the ministry will soon take a call on giving the final green nod.

"After detailed deliberations, EAC recommended the grant of Environment Clearance (EC) for the 623 MW Kiru HydroElectric Project with additional recommendations," as per the minutes of the meeting held on February 8-9.

The Kiru project will be developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt Ltd, a joint venture among NHPC, J&K State Power Development Corporation and Power Trading Corporation of India.

The project envisages construction of a 123 metre (from river bed level) high concrete gravity dam across river Chenab with four intakes, four pressure shafts, an underground powerhouse of four units of 156 MW each. The construction period of the project is 54 months.

While recommending the ministry for grant of EC to this project, the EAC suggested the company should raise the Environment Management Plan (EMP) budget to 3.5%.

"The total project cost is Rs 4,640.88 crore and Environment Management Plan (EMP) budget is Rs 147.32 crore i.E. About 3.2%. The overall EMP budget should be raised to 3.5 per cent of the project cost," the EAC said.

The EAC has recommended the company to use local people to meet skill requirements of the project.