Investing around 20,000 crore Indian currency, Indian state of Haryana is eyeing to set up 2,000 MW hydroelectric project in Bhutan for meeting is mounting energy demands.
A high power delegation, let by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, is set to visit Bhutan on December 14, to explore the possibility of setting up the plant in Bhutan, online edition of The Indian Express (TIE) reported, Tuesday.
Power Minister Captain Ajay Singh Yadav confirmed that the government was exploring the idea of setting up a hydroelectric plant outside the state, the report said.
“It is at a preliminary stage but it’s true that we want to rid the state of the power crisis. We are actually in talks with the Bhutanese government. Senior officers have already taken stock of the situation and soon a decision will be taken,” Yadav said.
The state government has informally informed the Ministry of External Affairs about its plan. Only after an agreement is reached with Bhutan, however, will the Haryana government formally seek the Centre’s permission for the hydro-electric project, added the report.
If Haryana reaches an agreement with the Bhutan government, it will be the first time that a state has done so.
