NTPC hydel project raises water level up to 595 metres

State-run NTPC's hydel project at Koldam in Himachal Pradesh has claimed successful completion of its second phase of impounding with the water level of the dam being raised up to 595 metres.
The second phase of impounding at the Koldam, started in November last year has successfully raised the level of the water from 510 to 595 metres till January 3, official sources said.
The current hydro level will be maintained for a month and will be raised only after taking into account various factors, sources said, adding that the dam would be able to generate power by April this year.

The Koldam project has 4 units of 200 MW each with Satluj River being the water source for the dam. The 800 MW project, the execution of which was started in 2003 has been delayed mainly due to environment and geological hurdles.
It is also one of the initial projects proposed by NTPC when it diversified into hydro power generation. The project was earlier slated for commissioning in 2009.
On reports of the purported leakage at the dam site, PRO of Koldam Parveen Bharti today said that "there was nothing to worry".
"Since the water level has gone up and flow was observed due to recharging of area which would stop shortly," she said.

NTPC currently produces over 41,000 MW electricity and has about 16,000 MW of capacity under construction of which hydro power is likely to contribute over 1,300 MW.