Efforts are being made to fast-track hydel projects with a total generation capacity of 40,000 MW that are awaiting clearances at various levels, Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said.

These projects are awaiting clearances from different authorities, including the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

“We are looking at about 95 hydro projects, having about 40 gigs (40,000 MW), which are awaiting clearances at CEA level, CWC level and at MoEF level. We are fast-tracking each and every one of those,” Scindia said here today.

The Minister said that he was planning to hold an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) meet to look at infrastructure issues, on a basin-wise basis, to push the hydro power projects forward.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the state power ministers, Scindia said efforts are being made on a “war footing basis” to push hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal pradesh has the maximum hydro power generation potential of around 50,000 MW.

With regard to various hurdles faced by power projects, the Ministry said there has been a lot of traction during discussions with the Coal and Environment Ministries.

“We have got a lot of traction from the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Environment and Forests on all issues pertaining to the power sector.

“I have tremendous amount of support from both the Ministers and the Ministries. We will chart the way forward in a progressive manner that will allow the power sector to grow in this country,” he added.

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