Question : SINGLE WINDOW CLEARANCE TO HYDEL POWER PROJECTS

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop a mechanism for granting single window clearance to the hydel power projects in a fixed time-frame keeping in view the cost escalation of such projects and the shortage of power in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the other corrective steps taken by the Government in this direction;

(c) whether the cost of the delayed hydel power projects has been escalating ranging between 25 to 36 per cent in the country and if so, the details thereof, project-wise and State-wise; and

(d) the manner in which such escalated cost is likely to be borne by the Union Government and the concerned State Governments, project-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY ( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) & (b): At present, there is no such proposal of the Government to develop a mechanism for granting single window clearance to hydel power projects.

However, under Section 8 of the Electricity Act 2003, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) endeavors to accord concurrence to the scheme in consultation with Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS) and Ministry of Water Resources, as far as practicable, in a period of 90 working days, once Detailed Project Report (DPR) is

complete in all respects. The Government has further taken following steps for timely clearance of hydel power projects:

(i) Status of environment and forest clearances is reviewed periodically by Ministry of Power with Ministry of Environment and Forest.

ii) Progress of appraisal is periodically reviewed by CEA with project developers and apprising groups in CEA, CWC, GSI and CSMRS.

(c) & (d) : Sanctioned cost is at a particular price level which is prior to the construction of the project. Due to price escalation / increase in price index, the completion cost is always higher than sanctioned cost, even if there is no time overrun.

The escalated cost is borne by the project developer i.e. CPSU / State Government / Private Promoter. The details of sanctioned cost and the completion cost in respect of hydro-electric projects in the Central Sector, completed during the last five years is given at Annex.