State Government orders probe into power plant being constructed at Kedarnath
On the complaint of Regional MLA Manoj Rawat, regarding the irregularities in the 200 kilowatt ultra small hydro project under construction by UREDA in Kedarnath, the government has placed an inquiry. The government has asked the UREDA director to investigate the matter and submit the report within 15 days.
Regional MLA Manoj Rawat sent a letter to the Chief Secretary regarding the investigation of the non-operationalization of the project till now, accusing the builder of the project. The letter said that the said project was to be completed by November 30, 2015, but till October 21, 2017, closure of the Kadarath temple, the plan has not been able to produce electricity.
The letter said that the valve which has already burst 3 times is like a normal valve which is used in taps at home and not some engineering marvel that the electricity cannot be produced. The valve is designed by an expert compnay keeping in mind the water pressue. However, it appears that the said valve is made from an ordinary blacksmith company said the MLA in his letter.
The alignment of the pen stroke is not good for the scheme and the pipes used do not seem to fit according to the welding standards. Welding’s ultrasound probe was not done. This investigation is essential for power projects. Otherwise, this pipe will burst in high pressure of soft water with a slight leakage.
It was also stated in the letter that a grant of Rs. One crore was given to the contractor organization NIM from the government for this scheme as advance. The MLA has alleged that NIM’s behavior is irresponsible. He has also asked the Chief Secretary to order the work and conduct according to the government’s conduct rules, as well as the officers and employees working in deputation to the service of the state along with the investigation of the said matter.
Taking the MLA’s complaint seriously, the government has instructed to investigate. Energy Secretary Ranvir Singh Chauhan, after taking cognizance of all the points mentioned in the letter of the MLA, has ordered the UREDA director to check the report in 15 days and give the report to the government.
