IndiaCSR News Network
JAMMU: Apart from development of hydropower in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), one of the largest players in hydropower in the Central sector, has undertaken several developmental initiatives in the fields of healthcare, education, rural development, women and senior citizen empowerment, promotion of arts and culture, and sports under its corporate social responsibility and social democracy (CSR-SD) schemes.
According to a report, Since 2010-11, the NHPC had spent Rs 25.64 crore (up to 2015-16) under various CSD activities across its various locations in the state.
Under the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, the NHPC has constructed 477 toilets across various government schools in the vicinity of its projects in J&K, spending over Rs 6.84 Cr. towards the initiative.
The NHPC has recruited 1,370 people from Jammu and Kashmir as regular employees in both its executive and workmen cadre across its locations in J&K, and has indirectly employed 1,195 locals through its contractors.
The official disclosed that the NHPC had made a payment of Rs 3,164.95 crore (up to 30.09.15) to J&K towards water usage charges.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), one of the largest players in hydropower in the Central sector, has invested Rs 18,874 crore in seven operating power stations in Jammu and Kashmir with an aggregate installed capacity of 2009 MW and a 330MW project under construction.
According to an NHPC official, the corporation has commissioned seven hydroelectric projects in J&K, adding 2009 MW installed capacity to the state.
These projects include Salal Stage-I and Stage-II (690 MW), Uri-I (480 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Sewa-II (120 MW), Uri-II (240MW), Chutak (44 MW) and Nimoo-Bazgo (45 MW).
The Kishanganga (330 MW) hydroelectric project in Gurez of Bandipora district is in the advance stage of construction while the detailed project report for Bursar hydroelectric project (800MW) in Kishtwar is under preparation.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation had started its operation in J&K nearly four decades ago when it was first handed over the 345-MW Salal-I Project for construction.
The state receives 12 per cent free power royalty from each of the seven power stations of the NHPC operating in the state.
“During the last 23 years, the seven operational power stations of the NHPC have provided 17,659 million units of electricity equivalent to Rs 3,314 crore in value up to 2015-16,” the official said, adding that the NHPC power stations also contribute 1 per cent free power towards the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
