27 August 2020

Introduction:

The Govt of India is all set to implement a Rs. 1200 crore project to connect Nubra valley and Zanskar with the National Power Grid.

Highlights:

• Srinagar- Leh transmission line will power Nubra and Zanskar.
• The Rural Electrification Corporation is to implement the project.
• Two 220 KV lines will be laid across the coldest mountains and inhospitable regions of Ladakh.
• One 200 km spur will run from Dras to Padum which is the most inhabited part of Zanskar.
• Second line will be strung across Phyang near Leh to Nubra.
• Both the lines will be completed in 24 to 36 months.
• Aim of the project is to make Ladakh carbon neutral.
• Prime Minister during his speech on the Independence Day clearly pointed that efforts to make Ladakh Carbon Neutral are ON.
• A 7,500 MW solar power plant is to be established in Ladakh to reduce carbon footprint

Significance:

• Assured power supply is likely to promote local economic activity and create employment through tourism.
• Carbon emissions will come down as the diesel operated generators will no longer be in use.
• Environment will become much cleaner.
• Nubra is the northernmost tip of the country and located near Siachen Glacier.
• Siachen Glacier is important both as tourist destination and highest military base.
• Nubra’s location is strategic as it is located near Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Story:

• Prime Minister Narender Modi had laid the foundation of the project in 2014 and inaugurated it in 2016. In 2019 he dedicated the Srinagar – Leh line to the country. Now Nubra and Zanskar will get connected to this line.
• India is currently importing electricity from Bhutan and exporting to Bangladesh ,Nepal and Myanmar.
• In the long run this project will help Ladakh –Kargil region to emerge as India’s Power House.