Date:06/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080651841800.htm

Business

Bhakra-Beas board to spread wings

Special Correspondent

Proposal to float separate company

NEW DELHI: The Central Government is actively considering a proposal to float a new company for the Bhakra-Beas Management Board (BBMB), comprising Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan to meet the future challenges and get out of its present formation to look for taking up projects in various parts, Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh said here. At present, BBMB manages the 2,860-MW power generation and transmission network in the Sutlej-Beas-Ravi basins.

“We are actively exploring the option of forming a separate company that could be owned by present four owners of BBMB, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. I will be taking up the matter with the Chief Minister’s of the States concerned,” he remarked. Mr. Jairam said Government was also studying the possibility of adding another 150 MW in the Sutlej-Beas-Ravi basin itself. These projects would be taken up soon. The Minister said the mandate of the BBMB had to be expanded to give it a role in developing hydro projects in other States and neighbouring countries as well.