The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently gave the green light for an investment in the 210 MW Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project. The project is situated along the Satluj River, spanning across the Kullu and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh. This article explores the key aspects of the project, its implications for power supply and the environment, and benefits for the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Project Details and Implementation
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL), with the active support of both the Government of India and the state government, is responsible for upholding the Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) basis of the project. The Indian government has pledged Rs. 66.19 crore in grants towards enabling infrastructure. Part of SJVNL’s long-term vision involves Internal Growth Targets of a total installed capacity of 5000 MW from various resources by 2023. They aim to increase this figure to 12,000 MW by 2030, and a whopping 25,000 MW by 2040.
Significance of the Hydro Electric Project
Once operational, it is projected that the Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project will generate approximately 758.20 million units of electricity annually. This is expected to enhance grid stability and substantially improve the quality of power supply. Beyond simply adding renewable energy to the grid, the project promises considerable environmental benefits as well. It is estimated that the implementation of the project could lead to a reduction of nearly 6.1 lakh tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This would not only enhance air quality but would also aid in reducing air pollution.
Direct and Indirect Employment Opportunities
The construction phase of the project will create numerous job opportunities, both direct and indirect. This is expected to contribute substantially to the overall socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh. Evidently, the benefits of this project extend beyond just power generation and environmental conservation.
Benefits for Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is set to gain from free power valued at around Rs. 1140 crore over the project’s life cycle of 40 years. This is a significant financial benefit for the state. Additionally, families affected by the project will be provided with 100 units of free electricity each month for ten years, which serves as a measure to mitigate any potential negative impacts on local communities.
In summary, the approval of the Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project signifies a step forward in renewable energy and environmental conservation efforts. The positive implications for power supply, coupled with job creation and substantial benefits for Himachal Pradesh, ensure that this project holds immense potential for the state and its residents.
