Odisha Deputy CM Reviews Power Projects, Urges Fast-Tracking of Execution

Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, conducted a comprehensive review of key infrastructure projects undertaken by the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) and Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), emphasizing the need to accelerate execution timelines to strengthen the state’s power infrastructure.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Singhdeo noted that the successful completion of these energy projects would serve as a milestone in Odisha’s journey towards energy security and robust infrastructure. He personally examined the bottlenecks delaying several projects and initiated discussions with concerned central government authorities to ensure swift resolution.

Among the key projects under review were OPGC’s third-phase expansion involving two 660 MW thermal power units, a 50 MW solar energy project, and a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) unit aimed at reducing environmental emissions. Discussions also included sustainable fly ash management and issues related to the utilization of abandoned mine voids.

On the hydroelectric front, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the progress of OHPC’s ambitious pumped storage and hydro projects, including the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project in Kalahandi, the 600 MW Upper Kolab project in Koraput, the 500 MW Balimela project in Malkangiri, and the 63 MW Khadag Hydroelectric Project in Kandhamal district.

To ensure rigorous on-ground monitoring, Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev instructed departmental officials to be stationed directly at the project sites.

The meeting was attended by key officials including OPGC Managing Director Kedar Ranjan Pandu, OHPC Director Ashish Kumar Mohanty, Additional Secretary to the Energy Department Pranab Kumar Mohanty, and senior officials Nibedita Mishra and Lipsa Das.