Two big hydro projects stuck

Two mega multi-purpose hydel projects in Uttaranchal have hit roadblocks in the absence of any policy guideline.

The projects include the 600 Mw Kissau hydel project on the river Tonse in Chakrata region and the 420 MW Lakharwasi hydel project on the river Yamuna near Dakpathar area. Both the projects are situated in Dehra Dun district.

The government has now approached Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek the fresh policy guidelines for building a storage dam facility in the two hydel projects.

"If a storage dam is being built around the project, then it would also benefit the neighboring states. But right now, we don't have any policy guidelines," said a top power department official.

The official said there were indications that the Prime Minister would set up a committee headed by Union Water Resource Minister Safiuddin Soz to make report over the issue.

"This committee is likely to be set up shortly," the official said.