February 6, 2002
'28'
NEED FOR PROPER APPORTIONMENT OF USER CHARGES IN MULTIPURPOSE HYDEL PROJECTS : SURESH PRABHU
The Minister of Power Shri Suresh Prabhu has said there is a need to look at ways on how user charges can be properly apportioned in multi purpose hydel projects. Shri Prabhu was speaking while inaugurating the International Conference on Water Resources Development- Flood Control, Irrigation, Waterways, Electric Power and its Evacuation. Water is one of the most scarce resources which cannot be created by technology, Shri Prabhu said. While demand for water grows around the globe, the challenge before planners is how to use water in a more equitable manner.
The Minister said that today the power sector has to pay all the user charges in multi purpose hydel projects and the key to the successful implementation of such projects will lie in finding a way to equitably apportion user charges. If this issue is solved, the Minister said, the growing opposition to multipurpose hydel projects will also diminish. Shri Prabhu announced that it has now been decided by the Government to take a holistic approach to such projects and very soon regular Secretary level meetings of the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Shipping will be held. There are also plans to hold quarterly meetings at the Ministerial level.
The major objective of the conference is to provide a forum for sharing of experiences of senior utility engineers, water resource development planners, consultants, academicians and environmentalists and to spread awareness about the importance of water resource development projects including building of dams and their reservoirs for sustainable socio economic development of human beings in developing countries, in particular.
The three day International Conference will cover the following topics:
Ø Water Resources Development-Impact on environment and challenges ahead.
Ø Water Resources Development Projects-Impact on Socio-Economic Advancement-Suggestions & Solutions to adhere to Schedule.
Ø Role of Dams-flood control management, improved navigation, drinking water to water scarce areas, water required for thermal, nuclear power plants & multipurpose development including irrigation, recreation, pisciculture, sedimentation management etc.
Ø Role of Regulators for Accelerated Hydro Power Development.
Ø Interstate Water Resources Development Schemes-Problems and Solutions.
Ø Hydro Power Potential and development opportunities including pumped storage
Ø Role of Public/ Private Sector in hydro power – financial bottlenecks & suggestions.
Ø Evacuation of Power, Transmission lines and Reforms needed for Trading of Power.
The Conference is being attended by more than 150 delegates from around the world.