15 power projects inaugurated, foundation laid for another 20

SRINAGAR: Governor Satya Pal Malik along with Union Minister of State for Power RK Singh inaugurated as many as 15 power projects in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh and laid foundation of 20 more under PMDP, DDUGJY, IPDS and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes in these regions of the state that was bifurcated into two union territories on August 5.
On the occasion 3 MoUs were also signed, first among Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations, PDD and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) for street light project for Jammu and Srinagar cities; the second between Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and 15 Corps for upgradation of 10 Army Goodwill Schools including digitization of classes and finally, between PGCIL and PW(R&B) Department for improvement / upgrdation of 7 km Wagoora Link Road.
Thanking Singh for his generous support to the power sector in the state, Governor said, "At my request, he (Singh) has reduced the time for laying of Leh-Nubra transmission line from three years to 18 months".
“No effort will be spared in making J&K and Ladakh a shining example of development in the country,” Governor said and observed that corruption has no place in the J&K and Ladakh of our dreams.
Singh, in his address, stressed that the power supply in this winter will be much better than in the past.
"We will spend time in Jammu in December and January to experience and observe the situation ... our goal is to provide 24 hours electricity supply to all the citizens of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh," he said.
Singh said the regions have the potential to generate enough hydel power, not only be self-sufficient but also to export it to other states.
"This will enhance the per capita income of the state like it did in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand," he added.
Governor and Singh lauded the employees of the JKPDD for getting ‘Saubhagya Excellence Award’ for being the first state in the country to achieve 100% household electrification under ‘Saubhagya’ scheme.
The duo presented commendation certificates to employees of JKPDD and presented a cheque of Rs 50 lakh, award money, for creation of JKPDD Employees Children’s Educational Fund.
The duo met separately at the Raj Bhavan and discussed about various major initiatives taken by the Central Govt to augment the power infrastructure in J&K and Ladakh and ensure 100 % electrification of all households.
They also considered ways and means to exploit renewable energy resources including hydroelectric and solar power based projects.
“Governor and Singh also stressed the vital importance of skill development and creating a vibrant ecosystem for facilitating entrepreneurship among youth,” an official spokesman said.
Earlier a meeting to review overall progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Power sector including DDUGJY, PMDP, RE and IPDS was held under the Chairmanship of Governor Malik and Singh.