Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Sept 18
Keeping in view the importance of hydropower, the Ministry of Power, Government of India in association with NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company organized a one-day Workshop on ‘Hydropower Development’ at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on Sept 17, 2018. The workshop was inaugurated by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India in the presence of Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary (Power) Government of India, Shri Aniruddha Kumar, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Government of India, Shri P.D. Siwal, Member (Hydro), CEA and Shri Balraj Joshi, CMD, NHPC. The Hon’ble Minister expressed his commitment to promote Hydropower sector and said that hydropower can lay the foundation for a green economy.
He also stressed upon the need for rejuvenating our rivers. While delivering the keynote address, Shri A.K. Bhalla, Secretary (Power) Government of India said that the workshop has been organized for getting expert inputs to address key concerns such as land acquisition, contract related issues, time and cost overruns etc. Shri Aniruddha Kumar, Joint Secretary (Hydro), Government of India highlighted hydropower as a perpetual and renewable source of energy.
Shri Balraj Joshi, CMD, NHPC while sharing the rich experience of NHPC in hydropower development highlighted the key factors as administrative, techno-commercial, environmental and various clearance related issues that arise during execution of hydropower projects. Shri N.K. Jain, Director (Personnel) NHPC delivered the vote of thanks at the valedictory session and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Power for their encouragement and support to NHPC in organizing the workshop on Hydropower Development.
The workshop witnessed participation of key dignitaries from leading power sector organizations/PSUs and other prestigious national and international organizations including Ministry of Power, CWC, CEA, NHPC, THDC, NEEPCO, SJVNL, POSOCO, BBMB, World Bank, Norwegian Centre for Excellence on Smart Grids and Oakridge Energy.
The workshop was highly successful in providing a platform for brain-storming discussions on key issues and challenges related to hydropower development.
