Nathpa-Jhakri generation target hiked
Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 1
The Union Ministry of Power has scaled up the target of energy
generation for the 1500- MW Nathpa-Jhakri hydroelectric project for
2008-09 from 6,397 million units to 6,600 million units.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between
Anil Razdan, secretary, power, on behalf of the ministry Sutlej Jal
Vidyut Nigam CMD H.K.Sharma at New Delhi. The enhanced target will
enable the nigam to generate revenue of Rs 1378 crore during the year
from the country's largest hydroelectric project.

In 2007-08 the project achieved a record generation of 6450 million
units, 509 million units more than previous year's generation of 5941
units. It exceeded the target set by ministry for the year by 53
million units. Sharma attributed the performance of the project to
efficient silt management and machine management.

The MoU also includes targets of construction of the 412 MW Rampur
Project as per which the Kasholi adit of is to be completed in March,
2009, Goshai adit by October, 2008, and the Kazo adit by August,
2008. The MoU provides for excavation of 5250 meters of the 15 km
long head race tunnel by March, 2009.

It further spells out schedules for the submission of detailed
project reports (DPR) for the 252-MW Devsari project in February,
2009, and the 56-MW Naitwar Mori project in July 2008.

As per terms of the MoU, the Ministry of Power will support the SJVN
to be designated as a schedule 'A' Company and also help it join the
club of mini ratna PSUs.

The Ministry will also assist SJVN in obtaining speedy clearances for
its projects from various statutory authorities.

Meanwhile, the public sector company paid an interim dividend of Rs
136 crore to the Government of India and the Himachal Government, the
two equity partners which have 75 per cent and 25 per cent share,
respectively, for the year.

During 2006-07, the company paid a dividend of Rs 235 crore against a
net profit of Rs 732.71 crore to the two equity partners.

Sharma resented the dividend cheque of Rs 102 crore to the union
minister of power Sushil Kumar Shinde.

Earlier, the company had paid a dividend of Rs 34 crore to the state
government.