The floods in Uttarakhand has knocked out several hydro projects severely affecting the power sector in the State.
Two State-run hydro power projects, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), 6 MW Kaliganga-I, and 4 MW Kaliganga-II on the Kaliganga river were shut post floods. Another state-run power producer, the National Hydro Power Corporation’s 280 MW plant on Kali River was shut following siltation in the barrage.
“Flooding carried huge amount of siltation. It forced us to shut our Dhauliganga power plant in Vishnuprayag. Our other land installations like offices, schools and residential areas were also affected because of the floods,” the company spokesperson said.
Being a listed company NHPC has also informed the Bombay Stock Exchange about the shut down.
L&T’s 99 MW under construction power plant at Singoli-Bhatwari hydel project, in Rudraprayag district of the state at an investment of `600 crore, has come to a halt, sources today said. The project was being built on the Mandakini river and was about to be commissioned soon. Another private player Lanco’s 2x35 MW under construction power plant on the Mandakini river was not spared of the flood fury.
“The region continues to be cut off after the floods, our assessment teams are yet to reach the site. At this point of time we cannot say what is extent of damage to the plant,” an official with company said requesting anonymity. Despite damage and loss to plant and machinery, reconstruction will pose a challenge, but the saving grace as spokesperson of one of the company said,” we will be in a position to claim for damages after requisite surveys are conducted by respective insurance firms.”