Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Sept 26: The Union Government has refused to release funds for Rs 2290 crore Shahpur Kandi hydro-power project on river Ravi to Punjab Government as the J&K State has denied much needed 1525 acre land for this 206 MW project on the plea that the neighbouring State terminated 1979 agreement signed with J&K State for Ranjit Sagar hydel project and never provided agreed share of electricity and irrigation supply besides employment to the State.
The denial of first installment of Rs 530 crore amount by the Union Ministry of Water Resources to Punjab Government has caused major jolt to the neighbouring State as it had already started the process of tenders after preparing detailed project report and seeking approval. The denial of land by J&K State has sealed the fate of this prestigious power project of Punjab State.
The high level delegation of J&K State led by its Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, during recent meeting with the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the top officials of the Union Ministry of Water Resources told that J&K was not interested in the Punjab Hydel Power Project at Shahpur Kandi. Peeved at the non-cooperative attitude of the Punjab for not providing benefits of Ranjit Sagar (Thein Dam) Power Project as per 1979 agreement, the J&K team contested that State has been denied 20 % share of electricity, 1400 cusecs of irrigation water for the last 30 years and 12 % employment to the J&K people. Moreover, showing disrespect, the Punjab Government terminated this agreement by moving a resolution in the State Legislature in 2004. For such attitude of the Punjab State, the J&K was not ready to provide land for this project.
Sources said that convinced with the argument of the J&K Government, the Union Government has now asked Punjab to first settle the dispute with J&K Government and then approach for seeking funds for this project. For this project, the Centre has promised 100 % funding while the Punjab Irrigation Department has already floated tenders for it. The Punjab Chief Secretary maintained that termination law will not affect the agreement reached between the two States in 1979 over Ranjit Sagar power project, the State however, pleaded that Punjab must go for amendment in the `termination law’ in the same Assembly.
The Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control for J&K, Taj Mohi-ud-Din when contacted said that Punjab denied the 20 % agreed power share to J&K from Ranjit Sagar Power Project over river Ravi near Basohli in last 30 years besides 1400 cusecs of irrigation water. As per agreement, they had to provide 12% employment to J&K people and construct Shahpur Kandi barrage for providing irrigation water to State. “Punjab did not respect the agreement with J&K, it delayed the work of Shahpur Kandi barrage on flimsy grounds and literally refused to carry on the work and finally terminated the agreement. Therefore, denial of land on lease basis for this hydel project by J&K was a justified move”, Mr Taj maintained.
Replying to another question, Mr Taj said, “Punjab deprived J&K of its share and now the State has decided to go for construction of canal from Ranjit Sagar Dam near Satwain to get its share of irrigation water. A 45 MW hydel power project is also being constructed near Basantpur in Kathua. State will do it at its own. We have claimed Rs 2500 crore as power share and Rs 3000 crore as Agricultural losses caused due to non provision of irrigation water from Punjab. Let them compensate us first, then we may consider their demand of land. Moreover, Punjab should bring amendment in the Agreement Termination law in its Legislature. They now claim that they were willing to provide mere affidavit that agreement will not be affected but it is not acceptable to us. We can not be duped again and again and can’t be taken for granted by the neighbour. They also preferred to keep control of the irrigation water supply with them and the J&K State will have to depend on them. We are no more interested in Shahpur kandi project now”, Mr Taj added.
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