New Delhi: Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal on Thursday reviewed the progress of SJVN's 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project in Nepal, reaffirming the government's focus on timely execution of the strategically important cross-border hydropower project.
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The Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project is being developed by state-run SJVN through its wholly owned subsidiary, SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), and is one of the flagship projects under the India-Nepal energy partnership.
The high-level delegation led by Agarwal included India's Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanashyam Prasad, Additional Secretary (Hydro) Diwakar Nath Misra, Joint Secretary (Transmission) Pankaj Kumar, SJVN Director (Projects) Rajesh Kumar Chandel, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Power, the Embassy of India in Nepal, CEA, SJVN and SAPDC.
The visit began with an inspection of the underground powerhouse site at Pukhuwa, where the delegation reviewed the progress of civil and electro-mechanical works and other key project components. The team was briefed on construction activities, implementation strategy and milestones achieved so far.
The delegation later visited the dam site at Phaksinda to assess the progress of major civil works, including the dam structure, intake arrangements and associated infrastructure.
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During the review, Agarwal appreciated the efforts of SJVN and SAPDC in executing one of the region's largest hydropower projects under the challenging Himalayan terrain. He commended the progress achieved and urged the project team to maintain the pace of execution while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and environmental sustainability.
SJVN Director (Projects) Rajesh Kumar Chandel called upon the project team to continue focused efforts towards achieving the targeted commissioning schedule while maintaining excellence in project execution.
SAPDC Chief Executive Officer Pankaj Chaudhary briefed the delegation on the status of various construction packages, rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives, community development programmes and environmental management measures being implemented as part of the project.
Once commissioned, the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project is expected to significantly enhance clean energy generation, strengthen regional energy security and further deepen energy cooperation between India and Nepal.
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