NJ to restart power generation by end of July
Environmental and social issues emerged due to river diversion from Muzaffarabad after the commissioning of Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project in 2018. PHOTO: file
The 969-megawatt Neelum Jhelum (NJ) hydropower project is all set to resume electricity generation by the end of July as restoration work in its tail race tunnel is nearing completion.
Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Engineer Lt Gen (Retired) Sajjad Ghani on Saturday visited the Neelum Jhelum power plant to comprehensively review the restoration work carried out for strengthening the tail race tunnel and the preparedness level related to resumption of power generation by the project.
The project’s chief executive officer, project director, consultants and contractors were present during the visit.
Neelum Jhelum is a run-of-the-river hydropower project that started electricity generation in April 2018. Prior to the suspension of power generation due to the collapse of a part of its tail race tunnel last year, the project provided more than 18 billion units of electricity to the national grid.
The project’s restoration team briefed the Wapda chairman that the task of concrete lining in the collapsed area of the tail race tunnel had been accomplished. The rest of the affected portions in the 3.5km-long tunnel had also been strengthened through lattice girder, rock bolting and shotcrete.
Sweeping and cleanliness of the tail race tunnel will commence next week. Afterwards, pressurisation, ie filing of water in the tail race tunnel, will be started, which will lead to electricity generation.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2023.
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