Hydel power potential in Narmada Valley to be studied

Bhopal, Nov 12 (UNI) The Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) has decided to prepare a master plan on unexplored hydel-power potential available in the Narmada valley and a technical study would be conducted by the IIT Roorkee in the Narmada basin. ''Besides major hydel-power projects being constructed in the Valley, there is a possibility of large unexplored hydel-power potential in Narmada basin,'' NVDA Vice Chairman Uday Kumar Verma said, according to an official release here today.

He pointed out that there was a great need to exploit smallest hydel power potential looking at the present and future power demand of the state.

Mr Verma said the Alternate Hydro Energy Center of IIT Roorkee had well-equipped facilities for studying small hydro-power projects and the master plan prepared by it would help to prepare detailed project reports.

The NVDA had already explored possibilities of nine mini hydel-power projects in the upper Narmada zone, including Raghavpur (20 MW), Rosra (35), Basania (60), Chinki (50), Sitareva (15), Handia (51), Boras (55), Hoshangabad (60) and Gopalpur (25). These mini hydel-power projects should create a total potential of 370 MW.

The IIT Roorkee has consented to the proposal estimated to cost over Rs 48 lakh, the release added.

UNI PS 1717