India eyes power generation projects
in Nepal
Aug 26, 2006 - The Hindu
New Delhi (PTI): Facing acute shortage
of electricity, India is talking to neighbouring Nepal
for tapping the potential it has there. "We are talking
to Nepal. There lies a potential of about 60,000 MW
electricity generation," Power Minister Sushil Kumar
Shinde said in Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.
He said India has invested in Bhutan also for similar
projects and possibilities are being explored to set
up power generation projects in Nepal. Replying to
a question on steps taken by the government to reduce
cost of power, the minister said the UPA government
is focussing on development of hydel power, which
is cheap compared to other sources like thermal and
nuclear. The minister has held a series of meetings
with the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Arunchal
Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal to tap the
hydel potential. Shinde also said a number of MoUs
have been signed with private companies for setting
up small less than 100 MW hydel power plants. There
are power plants of above 100 MW also but the ministry
was in favour of project of smaller capacities. He
also informed the House that the Centre has signed
an agreement with Damodar Valley Corporation, NTPC
and Haryana Government to get 5,300 MW electricity
for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in
Delhi in 2010.
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