Initial filling of Sawra Kuddu hydel project barrage starts

Shimla: Sawra-Kuddu hydroelectric project (111MW), a run-of-the-river project being constructed on the Pabber, a tributary of the Yamuna in Shimla district, achieved a milestone on Thursday when the initial filling of the barrage was started. The initial filing process of the barrage will continue for 15 days. In the initial eight days the reservoir shall be filled in a sequential manner and thereafter, will be observed for around 24 hours at full reservoir level before the reservoir will be emptied in the same manner.

During that period the hydraulic behaviour of the barrage and the intake structure, including the hydro-mechanical parts will be tested. The project is in the final stage of its completion and subsequent to reservoir filling and testing, the filling of water conductor system shall be undertaken.

According to officials of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), the work on the barrage was awarded to Patel Construction Company and the head race tunnel was initially awarded to Aban Coastal joint venture in June, 2007. The barrage was completed in time but due to the dismal performance by Aban Coastal the work contract was terminated in January, 2014. The balance works were subsequently awarded to Hindustan Construction Company Limited in November 2014.

The main bottleneck in the construction of this project was excavation of 11.365 km head race tunnel because of the adverse geological rock conditions encountered during excavation. This project comprises a diversion barrage on the Pabbar near Hatkoti and underground power house on the left bank of the Pabbar near Snail village. The project will generate 386 million units per annum in a 90% dependable year. It has 11.365km long and a 5m finished diameter head race tunnel and three 37MW Francis turbines (3x37MW).

After commissioning each project the affected families will be provided 100 units of electricity per month for 10 years. In addition, 1% of revenue from power generation shall be contributed towards local area development fund during the operation stage.

Earlier, the button for the initial filling of the barrage was pressed by Devesh Kumar, MD, HPPCL.