Diverting Sholding stream helping augment generation in lean stream

To augment power generation during lean months, SJVN Ltd. at its Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Plant / Station, which happens to be the largest operating hydro station in the country, has constructed a diversion structure on Sholding Khad, a tributary of river Satluj.

This structure, allows diversion of available discharge from Sholding Khad during lean months. The diversion structures of Sholding Khad has its independent desilting chambers for resettling and removing silt.

During lean months, starting from 15th Sept. & 15th April, discharge in River Satluj is not adequate to meet the water needs of operating all six 250 MW units of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Plant.

Given the less availability of water in river Satluj for 7 months, discharge of Sholding Khad is diverted and added into the Head Race Tunnel of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station. At all times due consideration for release of 15% minimum discharge as mandated by water policy of Himachal Pradesh government is ensured.

The additional discharge of Sholding Khad enables Nathpa Jhakri Plant to generate 4 to 5 lacs units of additional electricity per day, which translates into a revenue of Rs. 12 to 15 lacs per day.

The additional discharge of Sholding Khad enables Nathpa Jhakri Plant to generate 4 to 5 lacs units of additional electricity per day, which translates into a revenue of Rs. 12 to 15 lacs per day.

Whereas the entire cost of constructing this diversion structure was Rs.21.1 cr. and the additional annual revenue that SJVN earns from this facility is about Rs 25 cr.

The availability of additional power also enables SJVN Ltd. to bridge the gap between demand and supply during winter months when we are aware that Himachal Pradesh faces acute shortage of electricity and has to purchase power from other states.