It is reported that Dr Manmohan Singh PM of India dedicated to the nation on Friday the first phase of the 450 MW Baglihar power project in the Kashmir Valley built over the Chenab river. The project has faced prolonged delays since it was started in 1999 including objections from Pakistan.

As per report, the Pakistan Government had given up its objections to the project in September and the Indian Government had put into action the process to synchronize the first 150 MW unit of the project.

Mr Jairam Ramesh minister of state for power before leaving for Jammu said that “It has been the endeavor of the PM that the developmental activity in Jammu and Kashmir gets a big boost. This synchronization of the project is part of that initiative and give people of the State to access to quality power in the coming winter months.”

He said that test trials of three turbines of the project had commenced last month and the entire project was likely to become operational by the end of November. The project has 3 turbines of 150 MW each. On July 31st a 3 member team from Pakistan led by Mr Syed Jamait Ali Shah Central Water Commission Commissioner had visited the project and had given a clean chit to the project in its report after making complete inspections.

Mr Jairam said that “A sum of INR 4,125.92 crore had been spent on the first state owned power project in Jammu and Kashmir being constructed by JP Industries.