* Demand returning of hydro electric projects from Centre
Excelsior Correspondent
Rajouri, Feb 4: Terming Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan as biggest roadblock in the development of Jammu & Kashmir State, Member Legislative Assembly & Former Minister Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali has said in order to boost the State economically, Centre must return hydro electric projects to the state.
Addressing mammoth gathering after inaugurating Receiving Station at Prori, Darhal in Rajouri District, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that if there is biggest loss to Jammu and Kashmir with this treaty, this must be compensated. He said that the loss can be compensated only when Centre handover these projects to the State.
Demanding returning of hydro electric projects to the State, Zulfkar said that J&K rivers are having 20,000 mega watt power generation capacity but we are generating only 2000 mega watt power due to IWT. He said the already commissioned hydro electric projects are also not giving any benefit to the State because all are running under NHPC.
He said that NHPC has earned much more money from these projects and now it is the turn of State to utilize this potential for the benefit of this State. He said that if these projects are given to state, most of the problems will be automatically resolved. He said that power crises will also end and state will become self reliant.
He said that this will be biggest Confidence Building Measure from the Centre if these projects are handed over to State Government. He said that Rangrajan Commission has already recommended returning of all hyrdolectric projects to to the State of Jammu and Kashmir and centre must come up with this CBM if they want to see the State moving forward in economic stability.
Earlier, accompanied by senior engineers of STD Kalakote, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali dedicated Receiving Station to public. The original cost of the project was Rs 2.62 crore, however engineers have completed the same in Rs 2.42 crore for which the work of engineers was highly appreciated by the MLA.
The project was sanctioned under Central Sponsored RE Scheme in 2011-12 but due to paucity of funds, it could be completed well in time, however with the personal efforts of Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali in getting the funds released, it has been completed and dedicated to the public.
Pledging to improve overall scenario of power in his constituency, Zulfkar said that he wanted to connect every village with power supply line. He said that soon a Transformer Bank will be set up in the area for which former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had already announced Rs 50 lakh. He said that earlier people had to wait many weeks and even many months for replacement of transforma but very soon in future the problem will be resolved.
Pressing upon Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Zulfkar said that the department should also make a comprehensive proposal to replace old lines afresh.
Reacting to the complaints of people regarding double or extra billings, Zulfkar instructed the Department to ensure proper verification in it. He however appealed people to make judicious of electricity.
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