Date:21/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072102380900.htm

Back Govt targets 15,000 MW hydel capacity

Our Bureau

New Delhi , July 20

The Centre has set a target of adding about 15,000 MW of hydroelectric capacity during the Eleventh Plan period, the Union Power Minister, Mr Sushilkumar Shinde, has said.

Hydro capacity of 5,980 MW has been added during the current plan period so far, he said at a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament.

The Government has accorded high priority for development of hydro projects in the country, he said, adding a number of issues such as timely sanction of projects and speedy environmental clearance, need to be addressed.

Mr Shinde said the Government has approved a three-stage clearance procedure for hydel projects to be executed by public sector companies to reduce time and cost over runs, an official release said.