Hydropower potential in
the State
Sir,
A news report was
published in this paper (Apr 12) in which it was
claimed that 14,275 M.watts of hydro-power has
been assessed/identified on various rivers of
J&K; without specifying if such potential has
been established on sound technical and economic
evaluations after detailed investigation and
sound technical project-formulations duly cleared
by the Central bodies like CWC CEA etc.
considering the fate of some such projects taken
up earlier and what we know is that the State
Government Departments have made such assessments
and projections based on studies of G.T.S Maps of
survey of India with superficial field surveys
without any scientific studies of round-the-year
water availability and sound sob-soil strata. The
480 M.W Uri project is victim of this inadequacy
with net annual generation for less than the
projected generation of electrical energy for
want of adequate supplies of water in Jehlum. The
various components of the Wullar-Lock scheme;
which was taken up in hand to regulate supplies
downstream to Lower-Jehlum and Uri Projects
throughout the year were dismantled and destroyed
on the onset of terrorism in the valley at the
behest of the neighbouring country who have taken
objection to this scheme under the Indus waters
treaty. The proposed mega Kishen Ganga Project
was taken by the State Govt. about two decades
back without any technical examination to
establish the suitable parameters of its
components. Nor was any consideration made about
the impending submergence of the Gurez and Telel
valley once the Kishen Ganga river is dammed and
diverted into Wular Lake. Consequently the funds
provided in haste by the Central Govt. were
diverted for upgradation of Shalteng-Bandipora
road, with no fruitful results and misutilization
of money for which vigilance cases are still
pending.
The large scale
deforestation of River Basins especially on
Chenab and Jehlum has resulted in large scale
silt-depositions in the upstream storage ponds of
Salal Project resulting in considerable reduction
in annual power generation. This fate of Stakna
and Iqbal-bridge hydel schemes in Leh and Kargil
is well known as these projects too generate less
power due to extreme winter climatic conditions
and these places continue to depend on Diesel
generations. The NHPC seems to be made to
undertake such more un-proven viable schemes
purely on political considerations.
We as such need to
be more prudent before putting such un-viable
schemes on Fast-Track without examining and
establishing their technical and economical
feasibilities so as to stop further expenditure;
which seems based does not seem to base upon
merit.
Yours etc...
M K Koul
Talab Tillo
Jammu
Ten out of ten
Sir,
To get ten out of
ten right is an achievement. Kindly leave aside
the exaggeration or rabid cheer, it is true that
to get ten out of ten right calls for
celebration. I think Nadia Commencei the Czech
gymnast got a perfect ten out of ten in Montreal
Olympics in 1976. Since then we have not heard
anything like that till ISRO (Indian Space and
Research Organisation) made that happen in the
morning of April 28, 2008.
At 9.23 am PSLVC-9
a proven work horse of ISRO lifted off over huge
ball of orange flames and smoke from Sriharikota.
The rocket raced into the sky. In a perfect copy
book fashion it eased out not only one satellite
but ten in the designated orbits. The launch was
perfect and above all successful. In many ways
the launch was historical. For the first time in
space history ten satellites have been launched
simultaneously into space. That Russia attempted
to launch thirteen satellites into space but
whether the attempt was successful or not is not
known. But Indian scientists have achieved what
established space powers have not been able to
do. That is a matter of pride and verily calls
for celeration. But in our country where anything
relating to things like cricket is more important
this great achievements of scientists could not
hold much time slot on the television. Here
Bajji-Shreeshant episode was more important.
Sadly, the space milestone did not deserve much
time slot. I wonder whether these attitudes will
foster scientific spirit in this country. We need
to have a rethink on it.
The launch of
India's latest satellite 690 kg cartosat 2A is
also milestone. The satellite is most modern
cartographic satellite in the world and has a
resolution of 0.8 meters. It mean it can
recognise any thing of 0.8 meter dimension on the
ground. This satellite will have wide use in
surveys, defence and other fields. We must all
congratulate ISRO for this remarkable feat.
Yours etc...
Pawan Sharma
Channi,
Jammu
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