Renuka power project: Delhi to fund 90%

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 12

The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on Wednesday agreed to fund 90 per cent of the power component for Renuka project over Giri river in Sirmaur district.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday under Chairmanship of Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari.

Renuka project involves construction of 148-metre rock filled dam over Giri river with live storage of 498 million cubic metre of water and a powerhouse at the toe of the dam to generate 40-MW of power. Himachal Pradesh will enjoy the exclusive rights over power generation. The total cost of the project at 2015 price level is Rs 4,600 crore out of which water component is Rs 4,325 crore and power component is Rs 275 crore.

It was decided that water component would be shared in the ratio of 90:10 (Centre: States). The 10 per cent cost of the water component would be shared by the beneficiary states as per their respective water allocations. Himachal will be free to use its 3.15 per cent share of the total water allocation wherever it wants, and there is no dam-wise limit for drawing of water. Himachal will not require any no objection certificate (NOC) for its water usage within 3.15 per cent share of allocated water. The state also has the right to sell its unutilised water to any state. The Government of India has agreed in principle to pay all land acquisition costs of the project, including forest, environment and ecology upfront. The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has already paid Rs 446.96 crore to the state and is willing to pay the remaining cost on firm requirement. It was decided that the Union Ministry would move necessary Cabinet note for the purpose.