Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123060411100.htm

New Delhi

Kishan Ganga project gets Cabinet nod

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: Overruling objections from Pakistan and asserting that the project was in compliance with the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the implementation of the strategically located 300 MW Kishan Ganga hydro power project in Jammu and Kashmir revising its cost to Rs. 3642 crore.

The approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is likely to give a big thrust to the efforts of the UPA Government as well as the State authorities to tackle the power scenario and ensure full development and exploitation of the hydro power potential of the State.

The earlier cost of Rs. 2238 crore has been now revised to Rs. 3642 crore for the project.

“This a big developmental step for the border State of Jammu and Kashmir and fulfilment of Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh’s promise to initiate mega development projects in the State. Pakistan had raised objections to the project but it is completely in compliance with the Indus Water Treaty,” Minister of State for Power, Jairam Ramesh said. This will help India use its share of water from the Indus Water Treaty 1960.