Hydro-electric projects in Himachal Pradesh are no longer safe and are soft targets for terrorists.

The 1,500-MW Nathpa-Jhakri hydel project, one of Asia’s first mega project having an underground power station commissioned in 2003, is perhaps the most threatened hydel project in Himachal Pradesh. It supplies power to nine states, including Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

Intelligence sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs confirm that the hydel projects, mainly those supplying power to the national grid, and whose sudden shutdown could bring all operations to a grinding halt, are easy targets of terrorists.

“It’s true that the Union Home Ministry has advised the state in this regard. The hydro-power companies have also been told to upgrade their internal security and restrict movement of personnel. Necessary steps have already been taken,” Additional DGP (CID) I.D. Bhandari confirmed.

The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and management of the Nathpa-Jhakri hydel project have installed more than 50 close-circuit cameras and added additional manforce of security personnel. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for the security of the project, has upgraded and further tightened the arrangements.

Says N.C.Bansal, head of the Nathpa-Jhakri project, “All persons, including engineers and employees, have been issued photo I-cards. The entry of outsiders has been totally banned. The movement of the all persons, including select visitors, are constantly monitored through through the cameras and also by security officials.”

The only problem that the security personnel face at the project site is locational disadvantage. The area on the right bank, across National Highway (22) and its down-stream has no fencing and requires a close and constant vigil.

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