Nathpa-Jhakri project resumes power generation

Five of the six units of Nathpa-Jhakri hydro-power project in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district resumed power generation last night, bringing much-needed relief to the northern power-starved states.

The five units, with individual capacities of 250 mw, produced 1,250 mw power in two hours, a spokesman said.

The power project discharged 1,100 cumecs of water into the Sutlej, which was more than sufficient for operating all the six units. Silt level came down from 5,000 ppm (part per million) to 1,400 ppm, he said.

The sixth unit, however, has not yet been made operational due to a few problems, the spokesman added.

The 300 mw-Baspa project was operating at full capacity and the twin projects were adding 1,550 mw power to the northern grid.

Meanwhile, mild to moderate rains were witnessed since yesterday across most parts of Himachal Pradesh, with Nadaun recording highest rainfall of 123 mm. Gamroor had 42.2 mm followed by Bangana at 21 mm, Jogindernagar 20 mm, Una 15.4 mm and Palampur 11.3 mm.

The heavy torrential rains witnessed in Nadaun area of Hamirpur district disrupted normal life and triggered a series of landslides in interior areas, blocking traffic on link roads. Dharamsala, which recorded 2.8 mm rain till this morning, received very heavy rains for about half an hour today.

The local meteorological office predicted more rains in the state over the next 24 hours.