‘Timeline of NJHP can only be met after its prompt financial closure’

LAHORE: The 29th meeting of the Board of Directors (BoD) of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Company was held on Tuesday at Water and Power Development Authority, Administrative Staff College, Islamabad to discuss various issues relating to its timely completion, as per an official statement.
During the meeting, the overall progress of the project was reviewed and the timelines of all the important components were discussed. It was categorically observed by all board members that the timelines for completion of the project can only be achieved if financial closure was met with very promptly.
“The assessment of the BoD about early financial closure indicates major impediments in completing project as per target,” said sources. They added the project was feared to miss the deadline if remedial steps were not taken immediately. Sources maintained that financial closure of the project was yet to be completed, despite the fact that progress on completion of project was at advanced stage.
As per the official release about the BoD meeting, the progress of Twin Head Race Tunnels (HRTs) at Jhelum River Crossing was also reviewed.
The house was told that the twin tunnels with hydraulic area of 37 square meters each have been successfully excavated under the River Jhelum at the depth of 200P meter.
All the technical and geological difficulties, including massive water ingress of October 2014 have been successfully managed, and the excavation of the tunnels are now near completion and ready to be connected with the main twin tunnel system.
The expected dates of completion / connectivity are January 15, 2016 and February 15, 2016 for the said left and right HRT respectively.
The house also reviewed the overall 59 km tunnelling system of this mega project, comprising of single and twin tunnels being excavated in various segments through different techniques and then successfully being linked together with utmost precision. The board appreciated the performance with particular reference to linking of the earlier two tunnel segments (C2 and C3) which were connected with amazing precision.
The board desired the same level of professional competence at Jhelum River crossing and resolved to appreciate the level of hard work and competence at the project by acknowledging the occasion through a graceful ceremony.
The board also resolved that the concerned cabinet ministers from federal government and AJK be requested to grace the occasion on connectivity; whereas prime minister of AJK, and federal minister of state for water and power would be requested to mark the occasion. Appropriate arrangements such as commemorative flagging, for both the occasions would also be made.