Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan conducted a high-level review meeting to assess the current status, progress, and future strategies of key energy corporations—Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL), and Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). The meeting was held at the UJVNL headquarters on GMS Road, Dehradun.
During the discussion, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of incorporating technical, financial, environmental, and commercial considerations before initiating tenders. He directed that all essential approvals must be obtained beforehand to prevent future delays.
Chief Secretary Bardhan emphasized the need to complete all energy projects within their stipulated timeframes. He called for enhanced coordination with central and state agencies to resolve bottlenecks swiftly. Each corporation was instructed to submit data detailing initial project costs versus final costs, identifying reasons for cost escalation and energy efficiency losses.
Highlighting the importance of strategic vision, Bardhan directed the three corporations to prepare long-term agendas covering 5, 10, 15, and 25–30 years. These should include future energy demand forecasts, expansion targets, and proposed strategies to meet those goals.
Additional directives included expediting the smart meter installation drive, prioritizing meter work in industrial and commercial sectors, and accelerating underground line projects with district-level coordination. The Chief Secretary also asked PTCUL to engage the Central Electricity Authority for a comprehensive transmission system audit and to adopt modern technology for high-tension line inspections.
He further instructed UJVNL to explore the feasibility of a nuclear power plant and speed up the Lakhwad multipurpose project. Payment of liabilities between UJVNL and UPCL was to be coordinated efficiently.
Senior energy officials including Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram and the managing directors of the three corporations attended the meeting.
