The 969MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower project-a hydel power generating scheme of strategic importance-is in final stage of completion, as most of the major milestones which were required to be completed prior to commissioning of the project, have successfully been achieved.
These milestones included completion of Dam and start of water filling in the reservoir, completion of water way system comprising 51.5-kilometre long tunnels, installation of turbines, generators, transformers and other electro-mechanical equipment in the powerhouse, the switchyard, and dry testing of electro-mechanical equipment. The transmission line by NTDC is expected to be completed by end of this month, while water filling (pressurization) of water way system will commence during first week of January 2018. In the first phase, water filling (pressurization) will commence from tail end.
In this back drop, Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain (retd) visited Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. During his 2-day visit, the Chairman reviewed construction work on dam site, head race tunnel, underground power house and tail race tunnel.
While reviewing construction activities on the various sites of the project, the WAPDA Chairman said that the ongoing dry tests of electrical and mechanical installations and pressurization (water filling) of the tail race tunnel are of paramount importance. With this in view, the laid down parameters relating to the safety of the project be taken into account in such a manner that pace of work is not compromised. He reiterated that WAPDA is committed to completing Neelum Jhelum and other under-contraction hydropower projects in the shortest possible time. The Chairman said that it is a matter of satisfaction that the long-awaited Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project is getting ready for generation after inordinate delay spread over years.-PR