JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir is seeking allocation of a coal block from Union Ministry of Coal under government dispensation route for setting up of a Pit-Head Thermal Power Plant of 1000 MW capacity to meet the energy needs of the State.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on whose directions the State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has initiated action on this initiative, Wednesday received detailed brief on the proposed project at the 68th meeting of Board of Directors of JKSPDC, an official spokesperson said.
Managing Director, JKSPDC, Basharat Ahmad Dhar informed the meeting that with the Corporation has sought allocation of coal block out of the eight suitable blocks notified by Union Ministry of Coal in Chattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Jarkhand.
Eight papers have been submitted by the JKSPDC for allocation of coal block, he said.
“This path breaking initiative would help to augment power supply by 1000 MWs and meet the generation needs especially during the winter when the generation of hydro electric projects recede and demand increases,” the spokesperson said.
Omar Abdullah said that power sector is the focused area and multipronged strategy has been put in place by his government to increase the power generation manifolds and help flourishing of wide-ranging economic activities in the State besides meeting the domestic power needs.
“We are trying to avail all possible means to address energy problem and make necessary dent in this sector”, Abdullah said.
The Board also approved the road map for capacity addition of about 9036 MWs in the State during the 12th and 13th Five Year Plan periods comprising 7357 MWs in State sector including JV and IPP mode projects. As many as 10 projects with an aggregate capacity of 3824 MWs would be constructed by JKSPDC.
The Board also reviewed the status of implementation of Baglihar HEP-II, Parnai, Lower Kalnai, New Ganderbal, Sawalakote, Karthai-I and II HEPs.
