Forest Clearance Secured
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, has granted forest clearance for the Thana Plaun hydel power project, a significant milestone for the proposed 191 MW facility on the Beas River in Mandi district.
Key Project Details
The Thana Plaun project is designed as a storage-cum-run-of-the-river scheme, featuring an 85 m high Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam. The dam will be situated on the right bank of the Beas, approximately 40 km downstream of the Pandoh Dam. The powerhouse is planned downstream of the dam.
Power Generation and Forest Land Diversion
Expected to generate 692.61 million units of electricity in a 90% dependable year, the project involves the diversion of 406.79 hectares of forest land in the name of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.
Struggle and Triumph
Anil Sharma, BJP MLA from Mandi Sadar, expressed his joy at the forest clearance, calling the Thana Plaun power project his long-standing dream. Sharma highlighted his efforts over the years, emphasizing that the present government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, played a crucial role in securing the forest clearance.
Economic Boost and Development Initiatives
Sharma anticipates positive outcomes, including employment opportunities for local youth and development initiatives in the constituencies of Mandi, Sadar, Jogindernagar, and Dharampur. One percent of the income generated from power generation will contribute to the development of these constituencies. The project is poised to bring both economic and infrastructural benefits to the region.
Source：tribuneindia.com
