The J&K government’s plans to set up its maiden wind-power project have hit a roadblock, with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) claiming ownership of the land identified for the project near the Corporation’s Salal hydropower scheme in Jammu, sources said on Sunday.
The State Government had approved the proposal to set up the wind farm under a centrally-sponsored scheme in 2012 and after a detailed survey, a place in Bidda village of Reasi district near 690-MW Salal project was found most feasible for setting up the project—the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir.
Though Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA)— under Department of Science and Technology—had initially decided to set up 8 MW project, the proposal was trimmed to 6 MW to meet the guidelines for receiving central funding. The project, estimated to cost Rs 36 crore, requires around 450 kanal land, the sources said.
“The proposal hasn’t witnessed any progress for the past four years as the NHPC has claimed ownership of the land and hasn’t so far agreed to allow the state government to use it for wind farm,” the sources said.
An official said the land in question, having potential of 50-MW wind project, had been taken over by the Corporation for “temporary use” during construction of the Salal before laying claim on it.
“It is the ideal place for setting up the wind farm in entire J&K,” the official said.
General Manager Salal, AG Ansari said the proposed land at Bidda was “owned” by Government of India.
“The proposal for transfer of land to the State has to be first cleared by the Corporation Board which will then go to the Union Cabinet for its clearance,” said Ansari.
He said the NHPC has “no reservations” against the proposal and was “cooperating” with J&K Government.
Chief Executive Officer JKEDA Shafat Sultan said the negotiations were on with the Corporation for taking over the land.
“The talks have been successful to a large extent,” said Sultan.
He said the Department has prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the wind farm and completed other requisite formalities for setting up the project.
“We are hopeful to get the land,” said Sultan.
