23 years later, Ladakh power plant yet to be completed

Twenty-three years ago taken up for commissioning with Rs 13.22 crore spent on it, Sunjak hydro electric power project in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is yet to be completed.

"Despite 23 years of ongoing work for its commissioning with an expenditure of Rs 13.22 crore incurred on it, Sunjak hydel project in the Kargil district of Ladakh region is yet to be completed," J&K Power Minister Rigzin Jora said here.

He disclosed that delay in commissioning of the project was caused as its design was changed on advise of Tata consultants and it was upgraded up to 1.26 Mw.

He admitted that work on the project was going on since 1982 but maintained that it was proposed to be commissioned in 1996.

Change in the designing of the project was the main reason behind the delay, he said.

The construction of the project of 0.26 Mw capacities started in July 1988 and was scheduled to be commissioned in August 1996, he said adding the original estimated cost of the project was Rs 7.62 crore, however, after affecting the changes in the design worked out to Rs 14.24 crore.

He said 95 per cent of the civil works of the project were completed. He added that 50 per cent of the electric or mechanical works were also completed by now.

The project is expected to be completed this year if the required funds were made available, Jora said.

Length of water conductor system was 705 meters long, he said adding there was no open water canal, instead, water was being carried through mild steel pile water conductor system which was physically complete.

The steps for ensuring the timely completion of the project had been initiated and the quarters concerned had been directed accordingly, he said.