(a) whether the Government had launched any scheme in the year 1987 to increase the hydro-electric capacity by modernising hydro-electric plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is a slow progress in some plants;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor;
(e) the expenditure incurred on the modernisation of these plants so far, plant-wise;
(f) whether any time limit has been fixed in this regard; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF POWER ( SHRI P.R. KUMARAMANGALAM )
(a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF STARRED
QUESTION NO.171 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 3.8.2000
REGARDING MODERNISATION OF HYDRO-ELECTRIC PLANTS.
(a) to (g) : Government is according priority to renovation,
modernisation and uprating (RM&U) of power plants, as one of the
most cost effective options available for generation of power.
55 number of hydro schemes had been identified in 1987 for RM&U
works, to result in a benefit of 2531 MW/7181 MUs. Out of these,
25 hydro schemes have so far been completed at an estimated cost
of Rs. 465 crores with an expected benefit of 1313 MW/3263 MUs,
21 schemes are under various stages of implementation, 5 schemes
have been declared as closed and work on the remaining 4 schemes
is yet to commence. Plant-wise expenditure, physical progress
and completion schedule of ongoing schemes is indicated in
Annexure.
State Electricity Boards/Utilities are mainly
responsible for RM&U of these schemes, implementation of which is
governed by their own priorities, availability of shut downs
depending upon the grid condition, fund availability, etc.
Government of India is providing budgetary support by way of loan
at concessional rates through Power Finance Corporation (PFC)
and concessional custom duty for the equipment to be imported for
RM&U. PFC is also providing grant to SEBs/Utilities for
undertaking RLA/uprating studies. All out efforts are being made
to get the remaining schemes completed by the end of Tenth Plan.