Union Minister Manohar Lal and CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Discuss Uttarakhand’s Power and Urban Development
Union Minister for Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, reviewed the urban development schemes and power sector scenario in Uttarakhand.
Key Discussions
The meeting covered the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), issues related to hydro sector projects, power sector reforms, and measures to improve electricity services. The Union Minister urged the state to expedite RDSS projects, reduce technical and commercial losses to below 10%, and bridge the gap between supply costs and revenue.
Hydro-Power Projects
Significant developments were noted in upcoming hydro-power projects, including the Tehri Pumped Storage Project, expected to commission 1,000 MW by December 2024, with an initial 250 MW by August 2024. Other projects under construction include Vishnugad Pipalkoti, Tapovan Vishnugad, and Lakhwar MPP.
Central Government Support
The Union Minister assured continued central support for Uttarakhand’s development in the power and urban sectors. The central government aims to install 500 GW of power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, with hydroelectric projects playing a vital role. India has a hydro power potential of 133 GW, with 42 GW developed so far. Uttarakhand has a potential of 14.5 GW, with 4 GW developed and 5.6 GW under development.
