NHPC to develop power projects

Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL), which implements the crucial Narmada project in the state, has decided to engage Central PSU National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to design, develop and implement the river bed power houses to be put up on the canals.

"We have decided to rope in NHPC for putting up power houses on the Narmada canals. SSNNL and NHPC will soon sign an agreement in this regard," a senior SSNNL official said. "We will put up three small hydro power houses on Saurashtra branch canal which will generate 48 MW power and two power houses of 20 MW on Kutch branch canal."

According to the official, two small power houses of 24 MW will also be put up on Vadodara branch canal."This entire project is estimated to be worth Rs600 crore and 96 MW power will be generated through canal bed power houses. The power will be used for captive purpose - for running pumping houses on the canals," he said.

There are five pumping stations on Saurashtra branch canal, while two pumping stations will be put up on Kutch branch canal which is under construction, the official said.
These pumping stations will require around 80 MW electricity to pump water.

He said NHPC will design and implement the project while SSNNL will fund it. "Work on the project will begin in December and be completed in 30 months."