Uttarkhand revives Vyasi hydel project after 16 years

Uttarakhand chief minister B C Khanduri yesterday ordered resumption of work on the 120 MW Vyasi hydel power project, which was abandoned 16 years ago  citing lack of funds.

The project, to be built over the Tons River, is estimated to cost nearly Rs560 crore and is scheduled to be completed by December 2011.

The project when completed will bring in revenues to the tune of Rs105.29 crore for the state.

The government had to relax some of the bid conditions to attract investments for  micro, mini and small hydel projects under its new power policy.

The Uttarakhand government has given relaxations of up to 50 per cent in various conditions for bidders. The state government hopes to generate 1,100 megawatts of electricity under its new power policy on micro, mini and small hydel projects.

Khanduri said the government is committed to formulating a rehabilitation policy for locals. He said the government would give adequate compensation to the families, whose lands have been acquired for the project. The affected families would also one per cent of the generated power for free as their share in the project, he said.

The project, started in 1979, was abandoned in 1992 after completing 40 per cent of the work, citing lack of funds.