National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd., Faridabad
Energy is one of the key infrastructure sectors in India, witnessing brisk developments ever since independence. During early stages immense accent was on development of energy sources through hydro as well as thermal sources. However, due to long gestation period and more uncertainties associated with hydro projects, thermal power generation was given vital stress. As a result hydro: thermal mix in the country which was almost 50:50 during 1962–63 has now dropped to 25:75 against the ideal hydro thermal mix of 40:60. Vast hydro potential of India remains unharnessed notwithstanding the fact that the skewed hydro: thermal mix is the root cause of many problems of the power system leading to loss of immense amount of revenue.
There is no denial in the fact that future of hydropower is bright and unassailable in view of its inherent advantages and characteristics. In future if power situation in the country is to improve, it requires accelerated influx of hydropower capacity addition. This in turn calls for implementation of hydro schemes in the shortest possible time eliminating time and cost overrun. NHPC - a premier Government of India Corporation in hydropower development has exhibited with complete authority and élan that hydro projects can be constructed within a reasonable time frame by taking required decision at the appropriate time. Execution of Chamera Hydro electric project Stage-II is a shining example and illustration in this regard.
Chamera Hydroelectric project Stage-II is envisaged to harness the potential of river Ravi in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. The project consists of a 39 m high concrete dam, 7.1 m dia horse shoe shaped concrete lined 7.86 km long head race tunnel, one underground powerhouse having 3 units of 100 MW capacity each and one tail race tunnel 3.6 km long of 7 m diameter. The project was approved by the Government of India during June 1999 at a cost of Rs. 16,840 million excluding escalation and contingencies. The project was to be completed in a period of 5 years, i.e., by May 2004. Even though there was initial delay in mobilization of required machinery and equipment which were to be imported from off shore, but these delays were compensated by accelerating the progress subsequently during construction stage. Timely decision on all crucial issues of technical and commercial nature helped in continuation of the work without any stoppage. Breakneck speed of the works was facilitated through pro-active monitoring, efficient planning and support to the execution team from the corporate level. All the above efforts have resulted into wonders. One unit has been successfully mechanically run in August 2003 and put in commercial mode since October 2003. 2nd unit is also synchronized with the grid in December 2003.The project is going to be a trendsetter in hydropower development in the country and will act as a catalyst in an already invigorated hydropower development scenario. Catchword here is the commitment, sincerity and decision-making.
