(a) whether the Government is considering to grant Clearance to Power/Hydel Power
Projects on a fast track basis;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any proposals have been received for investment in Power/Hydel Power
Projects;
(d) if so, the number out of them which has received clearance so far; and
(e) the time by which the pending proposals are likely to be cleared?
THE MINISTER OF POWER (SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE)
(a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED
QUESTION NO. 145 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 01.03.2006
REGARDING CLEARANCE OF POWER/HYDEL POWER PROJECTS.
(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. With a view to expediting implementation of power/hydel power
projects in the Central Sector, the following steps have been taken by the Government:-
(i) Time limits with reduced periods have been stipulated for the investment appraisal and approval process.
(ii) The requirement of obtaining `in principle` approval of the Planning Commission and procedure of examination by Pre-Public Investment Board in respect of power projects has been dispensed with in order to reduce the time cycle of sanctioning of projects.
(iii) The limit for incurring capital expenditure on new projects without Government approval has been enhanced for Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).
(iv) The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), which is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking, and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) which is a statutory organization created by an Act of Parliament do not require any approval of the Government for incurring capital expenditure for taking up new projects.
(c) to (e) : During the 10th Plan period so far, 41 proposals have been received by the
Central Government for investment in hydel power and transmission projects under the
Central Sector. Of these, 28 projects estimated to cost Rs.41,438.03 crores have received the investment approval of the Government. The remaining proposals are under active consideration of the Government for investment approval. Subject to finalization of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the State Utilities, the investment approval of these projects is likely to be accorded during 2006-07.
The concerned State Government grants the investment approval for
power projects under the State Sector and no investment approval from the Government
of India is required for investment in setting up of power project in the Private Sector.