The 500 MW Chakothi Hattian HPP is being developed in the private sector under the GOP 2002 Power Policy. The Project is situated at the upper reaches of the Jhelum River in AJ&K along a 20 KM stretch of the Valley from Chakothi to Haitian Bala fully accessible by the main Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road which greatly reduces logistical challenges.
The project is 'run-of-the-river' with no requirement for a reservoir. Thus it has minimum disruption of human and natural habitat and minimum environmental impact. The bankable feasibility study was carried out by Canadian consultants, RSW International, a highly regarded International hydropower consultant and has been approved by the PPIB Panel of Experts with an estimated cost of USS 1.10 Billion and a debt: equity ratio 75:25.
Being developed as BOO project it will be transferred free of cost to the AJ&K after the 30 year term. Economic and financial analyses both show that the project meets international standards for project financing.
The Project comprises an 88 m gravity dam, twin 8,560 meters long power tunnels and an underground powerhouse housing four Francis units of 125 MW each operating at a gross head of 155 meters, design discharge of 400 m3 /sec., live storage of 22 m3 with a Plant Factor of 55%.
Environmental impact assessment studies show that the population involved is not large since most people live on terraces above the pond level. The environmental impacts, including resettlement are considered manageable. The Project implementation period, from notice-to-proceed to commercial operation date (COD) is expected to be 5 years.
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