PESHAWAR: Work on three hydel power projects with a total power generation capacity of 62.8 megawatts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be completed by June next year.

The projects include 10.2 megawatts Jabori, 11.2 megawatts Karora and 40.8 megawatts Koto hydropower projects. On completion, these projects are expected to generate annual revenue of Rs2.73 billion, according to an official statement issued here on Tuesday.

Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (Pedo) is the executing body of these projects. Progress on these projects was discussed in a meeting held here with Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in the chair.

The meeting was informed that work on other four important projects was also in progress. These include 84 megawatts Mataltan, 69 megawatts Lavi, 10 megawatts Chapri Charkhel and 6.5 megawatts Barando hydropower projects.

The meeting was also apprised of hydropower projects being executed through foreign aid in the province. It was told that progress was under way on 300 megawatts Balakot, 88 megawatts Gabral Kalam and 157 megawatts Madain hydropower projects.

The meeting was informed that under the first phase of the project, a total of 328 feasible schemes were identified out of which 281 mini-micro hydropower projects were completed so far.

Under the second phase, progress on a number of new micro hydropower projects is under way. Consultants have been hired for 317 micro hydropower projects on streams in Malakand and Hazara divisions and for 43 schemes on canals in other parts of the province.

Under the solarisation projects, seven schemes are in progress. Under the project, 2,956 mosques have been solarised in the province. Work on 13 solar mini grid stations in tribal districts is also in progress.

The meeting was informed that solarisation of 6,983 schools and 134 basic health units was also completed in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister directed the commissioners and deputy commissioners concerned to clear all the matters related to acquisition of land for Balakot and Kalam hydropower projects within a month.

He said that the land after clearance should be handed over to the relevant department without any delay.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2021